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JERSEY CITY, N.J. | On Sunday, June 19, NJCU, the State of New Jersey and the nation observed Juneteenth — the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.

In observance of this important federal holiday, the Star Ledger and NJ.com invited Dr. Natoschia Scruggs, Assistant Professor of African & African American Studies and Director of the Lee Hagan Africana Studies Center, to be a guest columnist to discuss the significance of Juneteenth.

Please read her column, entitled “Juneteenth: A day of reflection and gratitude” here:

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Legislation passed by Governor Phil Murphy in September 2020 designated Juneteenth a state holiday to be observed on the third Friday in June. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law a measure establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. This recognition culminated in the first new federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was introduced in 1983.

Media seeking an NJCU faculty or staff member as a subject expert are encouraged to contact communications@NJCU.edu for assistance and guidance.

��è�ƽ�� NJCU:
��è�ƽ�� is an institution of higher learning with an audacious goal: the development of our students, our city, our communities, our state, and the world beyond. We are a game-changing force for our students and their families. Whether our students are enrolled in one of our 50 undergraduate, 30 graduate or three doctoral programs at our three locations — our main campus in Jersey City, our School of Business located in the heart of the Jersey City Financial District, or our newest location at NJCU @ Fort Monmouth which expands bachelor's and master's degree offerings along the Jersey Shore, NJCU provides an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty—all of which prepares them to be critical thinkers in a global landscape.

We’re also changing the game for our city, our communities, and our state. As the educational anchor institution in Jersey City, we’ve established partnerships to ensure the area’s growth directly benefits our students and community members. We seek to improve the lives of everyone in the Garden State, whether creating a home for the arts, bringing educational programs to K-12 students, offering bachelor’s degrees in partnership with community colleges, or providing professional development opportunities for adults.

At NJCU, we’re not just educating minds, we’re nourishing souls and lifting communities. We’re changing the game.

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Contact:
Ira Thor, Senior Director of University Communications and Media Relations | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301