On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became the 11th federal holiday in the United States, and since then, Wilbur Wright College has celebrated the holiday every year with a special event.
The first Juneteenth Celebration and Reflection in 2021 was music-themed and featured speakers from City University of Chicago lecturers, students, authors, writers, bloggers and gospel radio hosts. Despite being a virtual event, it has gained momentum in the years since.
This year’s event will feature performances by City College music professors, faculty discussions about the significance of Juneteenth and an iconic MacArthur soul food meal.
“This event shows that Wright University values Juneteenth as a national holiday, and we want everyone to come together,” said Gabe Estill, Wright University’s acting vice president for student and academic affairs. “I feel like we’re recognizing something very important. It shows the struggle, but it also shows the great contributions that people of color have made to American society, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
The event will be held in the Wright College Faculty Dining Room from 1-2pm on Tuesday, June 18. This will be the fourth year for the event, and we plan to continue the tradition next year.
“We are pleased that Wright College has provided a space for the university community to come together, learn, and engage in meaningful conversation,” said Dean of Student Services Romel Marden Waldu. “We hope that those who leave this celebration will leave empowered to advocate for equality and embrace the significance of this historic event. This day of celebration reminds us all that the work to build a more just society continues.”
The following Wilbur Wright University faculty helped organize this year’s event: Director of Talent Partnerships Genetta O’Neill, Director of Student Activities Kate Ordinario, Associate Dean for Advising and Transfer Maria Llopis, Executive Director of Talent Equity Initiatives Onnie Riley, Dean of Student Services Romel Marden-Woldu, Director of Academic Support Services Jermaine Reed, Wellness Center Clinical Director Hoyam Tanon, University Executive Director Shelia Washington, Director of University Special Projects Yeisha Betancourt Lewis and Wright Interim Vice President for Student and Academic Affairs Gabe Estill.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been emancipated by President Abraham Lincoln.
