Good afternoon,
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. June 19, 1865, is the day enslaved African-Americans learned they were free. The holiday now recognizes African-American freedom with an emphasis on education and achievement.
Buffalo was one of the first cities in the Northern United States to create a Juneteenth Festival, an event that continues to thrive 48 years later. It is with a heavy heart that we must make the decision to pull out of this Saturday's track meet. Many of our students, their families and our staff participate in the annual Juneteenth festival at MLK Jr. Park.
We have thoroughly enjoyed joining with our fellow charter schools to offer sports for our students. Perhaps we can work together to create a schedule for next year that is inclusive with not only one another, but to meet the unique cultural needs of the students we serve.
-Ms. Denise Terrell, Senior Director of Operations
“The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us –- that’s where it’s at.” Jesse Owens.