Events

Juneteenth Symposium

Juneteenth events honor the progress of African Americans in the U.S. since the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 while continuing to recognize the ongoing efforts to overcome systemic injustices and inequities Black communities face. 

We hope to enrich the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor communities by underscoring the importance of Juneteenth, ensuring all students, staff, faculty, and residents feel a deep sense of belonging. We hope you can join us for our celebration while we advance our educational mission as a university and seek to empower the community in a longstanding annual tradition to promote Black liberation and excellence.

Past Events

2023 Juneteenth Symposium

The University of Michigan's 3rd Annual Juneteenth Symposium theme was Systems Check: Exploring Structural Solutions to Systemic Racism.

The keynote by Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., one of the nation’s most prominent scholars and public intellectuals, examined the breadth and depth of the impact of systemic racism on the Black community, examining disparities in housing, voting, and education. 

The celebratory events included a community prayer breakfast, a black film festival, and the KidZone tent at the Top of the Park.

 

Committee Members

LaTonya Berryhill, Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research and Women of Color Task Force

Rachel Dawson (Chair), U-M Precision Health and Women of Color Task Force

Edmund Graham, National Center for Institutional Diversity

April Gross, Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Elizabeth James, Department of Afroamerican and African Studies

Brendan Kirwin, Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives

LaTasha Mitchell, Rackham Graduate School Dean’s Office

John Rodriguez , Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Shaun L. Strong, School of Public Health

Ashli Wilson, Michigan Medicine Office of Health Equity and Inclusion

Support the Symposium

Join us in promoting Black liberation and excellence

If you want to help support the Juneteenth Symposium celebration, please email the committee at [email protected] to offer donations.

Community Supporters

  • Donations can be made through the Leaders & Best donation site. Please include a comment that says “Juneteenth celebration”

University of Michigan Units

  • Donations can be made via shortcode transfer. Please contact Rachel Dawson ([email protected]) to request the shortcode for your donation.