On June 19, 1865, enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed by Union soldiers that they were free — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, and months after the Civil War had largely ended.

“This is a big part of our history,” says Shavonne Shorter, co-chairperson of BU’s President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion. “Everybody has the right to freedom. I hope people will take the opportunity to celebrate and become more informed about Juneteenth and retain the spirit of the day.”

We're excited to announce that we are accepting pictures of seniors in their graduation attire, in light of graduation moving to a virtual setting. We are hoping that seniors will have their family and friends take pictures of them dressed up in honor of graduation! Seniors... have someone snap a few pictures of you in your cap and gowns... and HAVE FUN WITH IT! Snap serious, candids and even the traditional throwing of the caps! Then, submit them to the yearbook staff no later than July 17 to be included in the 2019-20 Obiter yearbook (we will try to feature as many of these as possible).

President Bashar Hanna has announced plans for the Fall 2020 semester, including returning to campus for the resumption of face-to-face classes with social distancing guidelines through a modified calendar. Semester will begin on Monday, Aug. 17, with two seven-week sessions in combination with a 14-week term. One-third of all courses will be offered within one of these three sessions.