The Memorial to Enslaved Laborers is a tribute to the enslaved individuals and families who built and maintained the University of Virginia.
Today, we observe Juneteenth, a federal holiday marking a significant and critical step toward ending slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Army troops arrived in Texas and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved Black Americans were free.
What began as an annual tradition in Texas has grown into a national day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration. In 2021, it became an official federal holiday known as Juneteenth National Independence Day. This significant date in American history is both a solemn and joyful occasion — one that acknowledges struggle, honors resilience, and celebrates freedom. However you choose to observe this day, we hope it holds meaning for you.
As we recognize Juneteenth, we also reflect on our shared responsibility to improve lives and advance opportunities through care, education, research, and service. Each of you plays a critical role in helping us achieve our mission to transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond. By working together to remove barriers to care and create systems that serve all people with respect, we honor that mission every day.
We appreciate our team members for all they do in service to one another and to our UVA Health community.
With gratitude,
Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP
Interim EVP for Health Affairs, University of Virginia
Henry B. Mulholland Professor of Medicine
Tracy Morris Downs, MD
Chief Community Engagement & Health Outcomes Officer
Wendy Horton, PharmD
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center
J. Scott Just, MD
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Physicians Group
Marianne Baernholdt, RN, PhD
Dean, UVA School of Nursing
Melina R. Kibbe, MD
Dean, UVA School of Medicine
Erik Shannon
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Community Health