Lane College Community,
While celebrating the July 4, 1776, formal endorsement by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence has been a festive occasion marked with frivolity and fireworks accompanied with ribs, red soda water, and sweet red watermelon, for people of our culture, color and consciousness, the celebration was muted by the fact that Americans of African descent were subject to chattel slavery in 1776. Now that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America, has signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act establishing June 19 as a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, the burden of history will weigh less during my July 4, 2021, celebration. Having recently enjoyed the first national Juneteenth observance, I will celebrate with greater hope, a sense of healing, and renewed energy to form a more perfect union.
Please be reminded, Lane College offices will be closed Monday, July 5, 2021, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.
Have a blessed Fourth of July!
Logan Hampton
Ps. Interestingly, some have linked our predilection for red hued foods in our celebrations to our West African heritage and/or symbols of our people’s struggle in this land. However, you observe and celebrate the day, be safe and WWSS (Wear your mask where advised, Wash your hands, Social distance when necessary, and Self-check)