Nature sounds play in background.
Video fades to white screen as each line of text fades on and off: "President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect Jan. 1, 1863
But people remained enslaved in Texas until Union soldiers arrived on June 19, 1865
African American communities have since observed “Juneteenth” with festivals and celebrations"
We begin to hear Jamele Adams, Dean of Students, reciting the Emancipation Proclamation.
The screen fades to black and reveals Jamele Adams speaking outside.
Text on screen reads: "Jamele Adams, Dean of Students"
Text transitions to read: "An excerpt from The Emancipation Proclamation"
"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free;
And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.
And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages.
And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed."
Jamele continues to speak his own words:
"In recognition of Juneteenth. Happy Juneteenth. Please take a moment to read a brief history and synopsis of Juneteenth and its origins. It's exceptionally important for you to know this. This has been presented by Dr. Carina Ray of the triple A S department. (African and Afro-American Studies) Thank you."
Screen dips to white reading "Brandeis.edu"
Nature sounds play in background.
Screen fades to black ending the video.