The Jumbotron displays art work during the 2nd Annual Juneteenth celebration at the Breslin Student Events Center on June 17, 2022.
Michigan State University will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration in the Breslin Center on June 14, from 5 - 8:30 p.m.
The event, which started in 2021, the same year in which Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States, honors the day that all African American slaves were freed in the U.S. Although the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation is often considered the end of slavery in the U.S., enslaved people in Texas were not informed of their freedom until June 19, 1865.
Since then, June 19 became a date in which millions of Black Americans celebrate, reflect and hope for everlasting freedom.
This year’s theme is “Acknowledging the Journey: Freedom, Resilience, Empowerment and Liberation.” The event is packed full of entertainment for guests. The emcee for this year’s celebration is Violinist and motivational speaker Rodney Page.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem, will be performed by Phoenix Miranda, whose currently fulfilling her Master's Degree in Vocal Performance at MSU. Dr. Stephanie Anthony, Director of the Office of College Access Initiatives, will discuss the significance of Juneteenth. An Afrofuturism poster exhibition by Dr. Julian Chambliss of the MSU Museum will be displayed.
Additional entertainment will be offered, with music by gospel singer Gregory D and the MSU College of Music Jazz Quintet. Further activities offered include the Black Wall Street Vendor Fair and “The Comet Afrofuturism Exhibit” displayed by Illustrator and Cartoonist Tim Fielder.
MSU’s Kellogg Catering and local Black-owned business, Sweet Encounter Bakery, will provide food and refreshments to guests and attendees.
MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar Bennett will be in attendance of next Friday's celebration, according to university spokesperson Mark Bullion.
The event will be open to the public. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Attendees may RSVP to reserve a meal or view more details at the event’s website. Parking is free of charge in Lot 63 and Ramp 7, both off Harrison Road.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
