To All SAISD Staff: 
 
This weekend holds a very special occasion. In cities across our nation, we will celebrate the Juneteenth National Independence Day, our newest federal holiday. In San Antonio, home of the largest Martin Luther King Jr. March in the country, events encompass the entire weekend – including a Freedom Parade, beginning at our very own Sam Houston High School and featuring the Mighty Hurricane Marching Band and our Transportation Department.
 
This federal holiday is relevant to all of us. It is an important step in understanding the stories of Black American history, and it serves as an annual reminder that we can only overcome our history if we make a conscious effort to learn about it. For our summer programming, the district prepared resources around the significance of Juneteenth, and I encourage you to learn more, too.
 
Juneteenth places Black Americans at the center of the conversation about freedom and it serves as a reminder of how contingent freedom is for everyone. It is a rallying call for all of us to think about the meaning of freedom and its manifestation in this nation. It is a time to reflect on what it means to be free in moments when freedom is conditional.
 
The quest for freedom and equality is continuous, and we must always welcome dialogue on what more we can do to strive for unconditional freedom for all people, particularly Black Americans. This weekend, let’s be present in the moment and be cognizant of why we are showing up to celebrate.
 
Next year, on Monday, June 19, 2023, all of us in the district will commemorate this day with more citywide celebrations – and also a staff and student holiday.
 
For now, I wish all of you a meaningful holiday weekend.
 
In service to the SAISD familia,
Jaime