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Campus Vignette

Juneteenth observed with “Wave of Freedom” events

Illustration of the Juneteenth flag, courtesy of the University of Utah's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group.

Illustration of the Juneteenth flag, courtesy of the University of Utah's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion group.

“Juneteenth is not solely about dwelling on the past. It is a day to celebrate our progress ... . As we honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom, we also celebrate the strides we have made towards a more inclusive and equitable society.”

- Utah State Rep. Sandra Hollins, speaking at the Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on June 19, 2023, at the University of Utah

On June 19, 2023, the University of Utah observed the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation.

Centered around the theme “Wave of Freedom,” events included a flag ceremony, a panel discussion, and a summit that included representatives from the Black Student Union (BSU), Black Cultural Center (BCC), Black Physicians of Utah (BPOU), and Historically Black Colleges and Universities IMPACT program. The keynote address was delivered by Utah Black Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dr. Sidni Lloyd-Shorter.

Below are photos from the event, courtesy of the University of Utah (select to enlarge):

Utah State Rep. Sandra Hollins, left, and Utah human rights activist and historian Betty Sawyer, right, raise the Juneteenth flag at Presidents Circle on June 19, 2023.Utah State Rep. Sandra Hollins, left, and Utah human rights activist and historian Betty Sawyer, right, raise the Juneteenth flag at Presidents Circle on June 19, 2023.Utah human rights activist and historian Betty Sawyer speaks at the Juneteenth Summit at the University of Utah on June 19, 2023.Robert Burch, executive director for the Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation, speaks at the Juneteenth Summit at the University of Utah on June 19, 2023.Spoken word artist Youri Joseph speaks at the Juneteenth Summit at the University of Utah on June 19, 2023.

 

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Last Updated: 7/6/23