Einstein Marks Juneteenth with New Annual Lecture and Barbecue

On Friday, June 17, 2022, Einstein hosted its inaugural Juneteenth Lecture and Barbecue. More than 100 students, staff, and faculty attended in person or virtually, learning about the history of Juneteenth and its significance today.

Drusilla Kinzonzi delivers Einstein’s inaugural Juneteenth Lecture.

Even though the Emancipation Proclamation had become law in January 1863, many places under Confederate control did not readily enforce it. Once freedom became known on June 19, 1865, celebrations followed, and the Juneteenth tradition began as communities came together to share stories, music, dance, barbecues, prayer services, and other activities. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

“Thanks to our guest lecturer, Drusilla Kinzonzi, our campus community got an in-depth perspective of the history that occurred on June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved individuals in our nation learned that they were free,” said Fanta Sissoko, program manager for diversity and inclusion (D&I). “They also learned about many other significant issues that have transpired since Union general Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to share the news of emancipation with the individuals who had yet to be informed of their freedom.”

Ms. Kinzonzi, a lifelong educator and author of the children’s book What Kwanzaa Means to Me, offered a thorough and informative lesson on Black-American history, dating back before slavery to the recent establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. (You can listen to Ms. Kinzonzi’s presentation here.)

“Community is critical, and we were thrilled to provide a meaningful celebration for our Einstein community as we came together to recognize Juneteenth,” added Fanta.

New Juneteenth Scholarship Fund Established

Dean Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D., offered opening remarks for the newly launched lecture, during which he announced a new Juneteenth scholarship fund initiated by a seed donation from Dhanonjoy C Saha, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of grant support at Einstein, and his wife, Animita Saha, M.D.

(From left): Ms Kinzonzi poses with Dean Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D.; Fanta Sissoko, program manager for D&I; and Dhanonjoy Saha, D.V.M., Ph.D., who with his wife Animita Saha, M.D. established a Juneteenth Scholarship Fund.

The Juneteenth scholarship fund will award undergraduate students who participate in our Diversity Student Summer Research Opportunity Program) or Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the College of Medicine. The individual, who can be a freshman, sophomore, or junior at a college or university, will be eligible to receive funding for up to two years.

“The scholarship aims to acknowledge our nation’s painful history of enslavement while also inspiring members of our campus community to advocate for positive changes that combat ongoing systemic and structural racism,” said Dhanonjoy.

In addition to the scholarship, Einstein and the donor have agreed to recognize a member of the Einstein Montefiore community who has made positive changes toward achieving racial equity across or beyond the Bronx community. The recognition will occur each year at the annual Juneteenth Lecture.

Anyone also interested in supporting this fund can contact Min Um-Mandhyan, senior director of alumni relations & development.

“We look forward to continuing to commemorate the historic event of Juneteenth while also honoring our institutions’ dedication to social justice and equity for all, our work to support all students pursuing a career in science and medicine, and our commitment to create better health outcomes for patients impacted by systemic racism,” noted Fanta.

Members of the Einstein community enjoy the inaugural Juneteenth barbecue held in the Central Courtyard.

Additional D&I Activities of Note

Throughout the academic year, D&I hosts a variety of events. At the close of the academic year, these included the following, for which recordings are available. Simply click the links to view each event.

A panel discussion on Neurodiversity in Science and Medicine, held in May, for which you can view a recording here. You can read more about the event here.
A panel discussion of the documentary Black Men in White Coats, held in June, for which you can view a recording here.
A video showing Montefiore Einstein's involvement in the PRIDE parade, which was one several events held throughout June to mark PRIDE month.

You can find D&I related policies, resources, and more on our internal D&I Intranet page and by visiting our website or Instagram page, @diversityateinstein.

If you have any questions or would like to be added to the “DEI Champions” email list to receive weekly update emails from our office, please email fanta.sissoko@einsteinmed.edu or einstein-diversity@einsteinmed.edu.

Posted on: Friday, August 19, 2022

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