Utica University Celebrates Juneteenth

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Utica University Celebrates Juneteenth

Red, Black and Green stripes against University blue background with words: Juneteenth, Celebrating Freedom.

Juneteenth marks a turning point in Black history, commemorating the day that the final 250,000 enslaved Black people from the Confederate South were freed.

Joining the greater Utica community, the Utica University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Student Transitions (DEI) will celebrate the history of Black liberation at the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration.

This city-wide celebration serves as a way to encourage and empower local Black and other underrepresented students to pursue higher education. It also provides an opportunity to share the University’s commitment to DEI.

Held in Chancellor Park (313 Elizabeth St.) on Saturday, June 18, the festival will start at noon and run until 8 p.m. Utica University’s DEI team will be tabling from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be music, food and performances.

In recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, most offices at Utica University will be closed on Monday, June 20.

Juneteenth marks a turning point in Black history, commemorating the day that the final 250,000 enslaved Black people from the Confederate South were freed. More than 200 years of slavery and approximately four million people were kidnapped from their countries to become slaves in the Americas. Unfortunately, persons of color have long continued to fight segregation, discrimination and racial injustice.

Utica University has a diverse student population. The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Student Transition works to create an inclusive space for everyone. They focus on anti-racism and anti-discrimination work. It is a safe space for everyone and they host community-building events to show different backgrounds and cultures. It's a space where people can express themselves, get exposure to new things, and feel accepted for who they are.

Written by Joshua Ward ’24, PR Intern