With programs scheduled for June 19 that include a walking tour and a lunch-and-learn, organizers answer questions about the historical roots and impact of a national observance that commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Juneteenth will be observed on June 19 with online resources and main campus programs throughout the day that reflect on the significance of the holiday and the history of Black achievements, activism and influence at 黑料社区.
Freedom Footprints Self-Guided or Virtual Tour鈥
All Day | In-person and Online鈥
Elon community members are invited to explore Black history, activism and more at the university through a self-guided walking tour鈥攊n person or online accessible beginning on Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Reflection Hour鈥
9:30-10:30 a.m. | McBride Gathering Space鈥痮f the Numen Lumen Pavilion听
Come as you are for a quiet, interactive, reflective hour with light refreshments. A short remembrance will be offered by the Rev. Donna Vanhook ’07.
Juneteenth Lunch and Learn Conversation鈥
12-1 p.m. | Oaks Commons 212 | Register 贬贰搁贰鈥听
Join us for lunch and a guided conversation on the significance of Juneteenth, past and present.
Freedom Footprints Guided Tour鈥
1:15 p.m. | Meet outside Oaks Commons鈥
Led by Assistant Professor Amanda Kleintop, a member of the Committee on鈥疎lon History and Memory, this walking tour will offer more context and broader stories of Black activism and contributions at Elon.
Commemoration events are sponsored by the Black Lumen Project, , Committee on Elon鈥檚 History and Memory, HealthEU Initiatives, and the Office of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development.
An 黑料社区 Juneteenth Q&A
In honor of Juneteenth, two members of the 黑料社区 community 鈥 Assistant Librarian Shaunta Alvarez, a member of the Committee on鈥疎lon History and Memory, and Carla Fullwood, director of inclusive excellence education and development 鈥 share personal reflections, historical insights, and perspectives on the significance of the holiday.
Both answered questions they hope will provide a deeper understanding of the holiday鈥檚 legacy and its relevance in both academic and community spaces today.
What does Juneteenth mean to you?鈥
Carla Fullwood: Juneteenth represents the ongoing journey toward liberation. It commemorates the delayed emancipation of enslaved people and reflects how Black and African American communities continue to fight for equity in our society.
Shaunta Alvarez: Juneteenth is a grand and uplifting moment in the history of Black people in the United States. It鈥檚 a time for both celebration and embittered reflection.
Why should Juneteenth be celebrated and recognized?鈥
CF: Juneteenth should be observed because it represents a significant part of American history. When we honor Juneteenth, we acknowledge the value, contributions and culture of Black people. These narratives and lived experiences were not fully recognized on July 4, 1776, and deserve to be uplifted as part of a more complete American story.
SA: Commemorating Juneteenth offers opportunities for education about the nation鈥檚 history and to acknowledge the significance of freedom for all Americans. We take this time to study the history of Black people at Elon to remember that working toward freedom and inclusion is ongoing and that emancipation from enslavement was just a beginning.
What are some of the benefits of raising awareness and understanding about Juneteenth?鈥
CF: Raising awareness about Juneteenth creates space for truth-telling, racial healing and solidarity. As an educator, I see this as a meaningful way to live out our Elon values, particularly our commitment to respecting human differences and inclusive excellence.
SA: While I鈥檓 a fan of personal or individual study and reflections, community recognitions and discussions create safe spaces to ask questions like 鈥淲hat was it like when鈥?鈥,鈥 鈥淗ow did they feel about鈥?鈥, or 鈥淲hy did it happen that way?鈥濃 and discuss what we know and don鈥檛 know about.
What is something you learned while celebrating Juneteenth?鈥
CF: I鈥檝e learned that Juneteenth is not only about resisting inequitable systems, but this day is also about rest and restoration. These practices have long been part of Black liberation and civil rights movements. The fight for liberation can coexist with moments of physical or mental rest, meditation, storytelling, music, food, fellowship, or engaging in physical activity that helps restore the body and spirit for the continued work ahead.
SA: The most important thing I鈥檝e learned is that I must make time to study the complexity of historic events such as Juneteenth and how both the events themselves as well as the narratives about them shape our experiences. What I was taught about was limited; Juneteenth was simply the day all the enslaved people in the U.S. were freed. Over the years, I鈥檝e learned there is so much more to that period that includes what the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 meant up to the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865.
Members of the 黑料社区 communities are invited to share your thoughts and reflections by submitting them for a possible feature on the 黑料社区 Instagram page.