Members of the Grand Valley community congregated at the Haas Center for Performing Arts on the Valley Campus in Allendale for the university's Juneteenth celebration on June 20.
The event's theme, "From Roots to Rise," and was treated as an open house. Attendees were invited to connect and reflect on the history of the holiday as well as recognize the ongoing pursuit for equity and justice.
“[Juneteenth] acknowledges the challenges we continue to face today, and our great human capacity to face them,” GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said. “It invites us to learn, to listen and to engage in meaningful conversation.
Juneteenth commemorates the freedom of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“What better way to celebrate Juneteenth than to have some of our community folks here with us?” said Robert Shorty, vice president of People, Equity and Culture.
Along with GVSU faculty and staff, children from the Baxter Community Center in Grand Rapids joined the celebration.
The event featured a Juneteenth video by the Memphis-based group Friends & Nem as well as music from PJ Da-DJ from Grand Rapids. Guests enjoyed dancing, games and traditional red foods – an essential part of Juneteenth rooted in West African culture. The color red symbolizes the bloodshed and resilience of enslaved people and their descendants.
During her remarks at the event, President Mantella highlighted the importance of educational equity as the university serves its community and learners.
“Let us remember that our commitment to the university is truly a commitment to each other,” Mantella said.
