At Liaison, we believe that technology serves its highest purpose when it brings people together—when it helps tell stories, amplify voices, and connect communities across difference and distance. As we celebrate Juneteenth 2025, we’re reminded that our mission doesn’t exist outside of history—it’s shaped by it.

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States, commemorating the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It’s a celebration of freedom, but also a powerful reminder of resilience, delayed justice, and the unfinished work of equality.

As Juneteenth approaches, we join communities across the country in honoring the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating Black history, resilience, creativity, and achievement. More than a commemoration, Juneteenth is a call to reflect on the past, recognize the present, and commit to a more just and inclusive future.

This federal holiday carries profound meaning in both our personal lives and in the work we do alongside colleges and universities. Our partners in higher education are shaping spaces of learning, access, and belonging, often leading the way in how communities mark and remember Juneteenth.

Higher Ed at the Heart of Change

Across the country, colleges and universities are among the most active communities that celebrate Juneteenth, from hosting campus events to creating opportunities for open dialogue and launching programs that educate students on the legacy of emancipation and its continued relevance.

We’ve seen campuses invite local artists, scholars, and students to participate in events that center Black voices and explore the intersections of history, identity, and justice. Others are using this time to revisit their own institutional histories, acknowledging past injustices and creating space for growth.

This work is deeply connected to the broader mission of higher education: to inform, inspire, and empower. It is also not without its challenges, especially at a time when conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion are becoming more complex and contested in public discourse.

Given this environment, celebrating Juneteenth today means showing up with humility and purpose. It means listening closely to the lived experiences of students, faculty, and staff—and partnering with institutions to ensure their stories and goals are supported with care and intention.

The Role of Technology in Building Equity

While the significance of Juneteenth is rooted in African American history, its relevance today is undeniable—and so is the opportunity to contribute. As a technology partner, we see our role not only as solution providers, but as stewards of connection.

Whether it’s simplifying the application process for historically underrepresented students, equipping institutions with data to support student success, or amplifying communication strategies that help students feel seen and heard, we are committed to building tools that reflect and respect the diverse communities we serve.

The work of access and inclusion is not confined to one day or one department—it’s ongoing. And just as our technology evolves, so should our understanding of what educational equity truly looks like.

A Moment to Pause and Push Forward

Juneteenth offers us all a chance to pause and remember the lives and legacies that made freedom possible. To celebrate Black excellence, innovation, and leadership in every field. And to ask ourselves: How are we continuing the work?

In higher ed, that question may show up in curriculum design, admissions strategy, or student life programming. For us at Liaison, it shows up in every collaboration and every commitment we make to support institutions building a more inclusive tomorrow.

To our partners: We see you. We honor the work you’re doing. And we’re proud to stand with you—on Juneteenth and every day.