Frederick Douglass Institute director hopes for celebration, education on Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. The following year, Juneteenth—a blend of the words June and 19th—was celebrated by Black Americans. Now, 156 years later, it is being observed as a national holiday.
Jeffrey McCune Jr., an associate professor of African American literature and culture and director of the University’s Frederick Douglass Institute, says, “Juneteenth is especially relevant today, as the current conditions of Black people in America would suggest that we are still not free.” And yet, McCune says in a recent Q&A, “We must celebrate.”
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Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, the Richard Feldman Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer, reflects on Juneteenth.
Warren Crichlow ’92W (EdD) will discuss the evolution and significance of Juneteenth during the next session of the REAL Conversations series. Learn more in the For the Community section below.
Please note: @Rochester returns to your inbox Tuesday after the observation of the Juneteenth holiday.
Bringing artificial intelligence into high school STEM classrooms
Rochester researchers including Zhen Bai, an assistant professor of computer science; Michael Daley, an associate professor at the Center for Professional Development and Education Reform; Raffaella Borasi, the Frederica Warner Professor and director of the Center for Learning in the Digital Age; and Jiebo Luo, a professor of computer science and of electrical and computer engineering, will explore the learning opportunities of machine learning—a subfield of artificial intelligence that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed—in promoting scientific literacy in K–12 STEM high school classrooms. The project, EAGER: Cultivating Scientific Mindsets in Machine Learning Era, is funded by a two-year grant from the National Science Foundation’s Division of Information and Intelligent Systems.
Graduate student wellness walk rescheduled for June 23
Due to weather, the graduate student wellness walk has been postponed to Thursday, June 23. Graduate students from all six schools can come together for a walk from River Campus to Genesee Valley Park and engage in icebreakers and a short, guided meditation. The walk will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and commence at the walking bridge at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and Fraternity Road. Find more information here.
AAPI faculty panel discussion
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Trainee Support Committee will host the first AAPI faculty panel discussion on Friday, June 24, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT on Zoom. Ying Meng, an assistant professor at the School of Nursing; Jenny Shen, an assistant professor of medicine and of clinical nursing; and Leway Chen, a professor of medicine, will discuss their experiences in academia to help trainees navigate systemic racism in academia and training and receive support. Register in advance to attend; you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
All members of the Rochester community interested in learning more about AAPIstories can subscribe to an email listserv and receive a newsletter here. To join in efforts, complete this form.
Find opportunities with the Center for Community Engagement
The Center for Community Engagement is currently hiring for several student employee positions including a LEAP Program Assistant, a C-EL Program Assistant, and more. Find more information and details on how to apply.
On June 9, the Internal Revenue Service increased the optional standard mileage rate for the final six months of 2022 from 58.5 cents per mile to 62.5 cents per mile. The new rate will be effective for travel from July 1 through December 31. The revised forms can be found here.
Fast track your biking skills with “Wheels on Wednesday,” a series of free, 15-minute virtual classes that provide a quick and easy way to learn essential skills and knowledge on a wide range of cycling topics. Learn “What to Wear for Bike Commuting” on June 22 from noon to 12:15 p.m. EDT via Zoom. No registration is required. View the full schedule of classes, presented by the Department of Transportation and Parking.
‘Beyond the Darkness of the Moment: Juneteenth 1865–2022’
Join Warren Crichlow ’92W (EdD) to reflect on the evolution and significance of June Nineteenth, now “Juneteenth.” This newly minted federal holiday symbolizes the past, present, and possible futures of the African American story amid today’s politics and deepening public ambivalence. Register here for the virtual event on Thursday, June 23, at 6 p.m. EDT. This program is presented as part of the REAL Conversations series.
Face masks are optional for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors indoors. Patient care areas, as well as University shuttles and transportation, continue to require masking. A full description of Medical Center masking requirements is available on the URMC Intranet (University network access required).
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