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�ؿ�ζSM University will recognize Juneteenth with a free community celebration and lecture on Thursday, June 15.

This event commemorating the emancipation of Black Americans from slavery will feature food trucks, a barbecue, music and family-friendly games on the Quad from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

At 2:30 p.m., Stephen Jackson, director of equity and antiracism at Oak Park Public Library, will speak on campus. Jackson will talk about the importance of using knowledge from past experiences to create a future worth fighting for in his lecture, “Building a Global Community: Honoring the Past, Present and the Future.” 

“Juneteenth is a celebration of Black freedom and liberation,” Jackson noted. “George Santayana said, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ Celebrating, elevating and promoting Black excellence is �𱹱����DzԱ�’s responsibility if we are truly to change the narrative and not repeat history.” 

“Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in American history and symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States,” said Precious Porras, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at �ؿ�ζSM. “DU places importance on social justice, human dignity, and equality through our mission. By commemorating Juneteenth, we have a platform to educate students, faculty, and the wider community about the history of slavery, racial injustice, and the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.” 

This is �ؿ�ζSM’s 3rd annual Juneteenth commemoration. Juneteenth, acknowledged on June 19, was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. 

To attend the June 15 celebration and/or lecture, complete the .  

The event is hosted by �ؿ�ζSM’s Center for Cultural Liberation; the Office for Justice, Equity and Inclusion; and Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation.