Event Schedule
The Seventh Trumpet, John Rodriguez, 2024
2024 SYMPOSIUM EVENTS
Thursday, June 20
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8:30 – 9:45 am
Prayer Breakfast
Trotter Multicultural CenterThe Prayer Breakfast is a strong tradition in the Black faith community frequently observed during special occasions and meetings of the church. This prayer breakfast will celebrate Juneteenth and have intercessory prayers for the black community.
Speakers:
Rev. Dr. Steven J. Daniels, Speaker
Imam Kamau Ayyubi, Officiant
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10:00 – 12:00 pm
Opening Keynote: Effective Activism in the Age of Hate and Divisiveness, Featuring Loretta J. Ross
Michigan League, Grand BallroomJoin us for a transformative keynote session with Loretta Ross, a renowned activist, and professor, as she shares her wisdom on effective activism in today's polarized world. In an era marked by rising hate and divisiveness, Loretta's insights are more relevant than ever.
Drawing from her extensive experience in social justice movements, including her work on women's rights, human rights, and racial justice, Loretta will illuminate the path toward impactful activism. She will delve into the strategies and mindset needed to confront hate and division while staying true to our values.
Speakers:
Tabbye Chavous, Welcome
Irene Lopez, Land and Labor Acknowledgment
Lakyra Keys, Black National Anthem
Nicholas Love, Black Student Activism at U-M
Loretta Ross, Keynote Speaker
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1:OO- 2:30 pm
Panel Discussion: The Activist Artist Engaging with Community
Michigan League, Grand BallroomYou do not want to miss this dynamic panel discussion on "The Artist as Activist: The Importance of Art in Social Justice Movements." Our panel of artists and activists will explore the pivotal role that art plays in driving social change and advancing justice.
Through their diverse practices, our panelists have harnessed the power of art to challenge inequities, center the voices of the underrepresented, and provoke critical dialogue. They will share their experiences and insights, discussing how art has the unique ability to transcend barriers, evoke empathy, and drive activism.
Speakers:
Ryan Henyard, Panelist
Takeisha Jefferson, Panelist
Jennifer Maples, Panelist
Wesley Taylor, Panelist
Victoria Wilson, Moderator
Friday, June 21
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10:30 – 11:45 am
Closing Keynote: Using Art as an Effective Means of Activism
Michigan League, Grand BallroomJoin us for a thought-provoking fireside chat between U-M’s Dr. Debbie Mitchell Covington and acclaimed artist Damon Davis as we explore the power of art as a catalyst for social change. Damon's work spans various mediums, from painting to music to film, and has been a driving force in the conversation around race, identity, and activism.
In this intimate discussion, Damon will share insights into his creative process, discussing how he uses art to amplify marginalized voices and challenge societal norms. He will delve into the role of artists in activism, highlighting the ways in which art can ignite conversations, inspire action, and foster empathy.
Presenters:
Dr. Laurie McCauley, Opening Remarks
Damon Davis, Keynote Speaker
Deborah Mitchell Covington, PhD, Moderator
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12:30 – 2:00 pm
Closing Session: Activists Art in Action
Michigan League, Grand BallroomJoin us for a soul-stirring celebration of Juneteenth, featuring a captivating fusion of gospel music, spoken word poetry, and expressive dance, all in honor of this historic day of liberation. Our lineup includes a talented gospel singer whose voice will uplift and inspire, a gifted spoken word artist whose words will ignite passion and reflection, and a mesmerizing dancer whose movements will tell stories of freedom and resilience. As we commemorate Juneteenth and reflect on the journey toward freedom for all, we are reminded of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. This session will not only celebrate the cultural significance of Juneteenth but also highlight the role of activism in bringing about meaningful change.
Through powerful performances and insightful commentary, our artists and activists will invite you to join in the celebration and continue the work of those who have fought for freedom and equality throughout history. Come be a part of this inspiring.
Performers:
Harold Green, Spoken Word
Sherri Nunn-Berry, Singer
Erika “Red” Stowall, Dancer
Shaun Strong, MC
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Thursday, June 20
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9:00 – 4:00 pm
Juneteenth Art Exhibition – Show Me Justice: Exploring Art as Activism
Michigan League Concourse and Vandenberg RoomAttendees will be treated to a range of visual art pieces from photography, to graphic design, to paintings where the artist is using their art to promote or urge on social justice.
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12:00 – 12:45 pm
UMMA Guided Tour of Unsettling Histories: Legacies of Slavery and Colonialism
University of Michigan Museum of Art - Meet at the Entry SpaceCurated by: Ozi Uduma, Assistant Curator of Global Contemporary Art
Unsettling Histories rejects a simple narrative of our collection's past and forces us to examine whose history we prioritize and why. In recent times, growing public awareness of the continued reverberations of the legacy of slavery and colonization has challenged museums to examine the uncomfortable histories contained in our collections, and challenged the public to probe the choices we make about those stories. Choices about which artists you see in our galleries, choices about what relevant facts we share about the works, and choices about what – out of an infinite number of options – we don’t say about them.
Space is limited to 25 guests. Please RSVP through the Juneteenth Symposium ticket platform.
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5:00 – 8:00 pm
Take Me Out to the Ballgame: The History of Negro League Baseball
Top of the Park, KidZone TentCome learn all about the history of Negro League Baseball! Join the University of Michigan Juneteenth Committee to color photos of Negro League Players, get baseball cards for some of the players, and see if you can throw a pitch like Negro League great, Satchel Paige! We’ll learn about the different teams and top players and will have Cracker Jacks and Big League Chew gum treats!
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5:00 – 9:00 pm
Juneteenth Art Exhibition – Show Me Justice: Exploring Art as Activism
Top of the Park Exhibit Hall on Ingalls MallAttendees will be treated to a range of visual art pieces from photography, to graphic design, to paintings where the artist is using their art to promote or urge on social justice.
Friday, June 21
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12:00 – 12:45 pm
UMMA Guided Tour of Unsettling Histories: Legacies of Slavery and Colonialism
University of Michigan Museum of Art - Meet at the Entry Space
Curated by: Ozi Uduma, Assistant Curator of Global Contemporary Art
Unsettling Histories rejects a simple narrative of our collection's past and forces us to examine whose history we prioritize and why. In recent times, growing public awareness of the continued reverberations of the legacy of slavery and colonization has challenged museums to examine the uncomfortable histories contained in our collections, and challenged the public to probe the choices we make about those stories. Choices about which artists you see in our galleries, choices about what relevant facts we share about the works, and choices about what – out of an infinite number of options – we don’t say about them.
Space is limited to 25 guests. Please RSVP through the Juneteenth Symposium ticket platform.
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12:30 – 2:00 pm
Juneteenth Film Festival
View films highlighting the impact of art in Black culture and activism. Featuring the following films:
Summer of Soul (with Oscar-winning short documentary The Last Repair Shop)
Bob Marley: One Love
For more details and to purchase tickets visit the Marquee Arts website. -
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Juneteenth Block Party
Regents PlazaCelebrate freedom and community at our Juneteenth Block Party! Join us for music, food, and fun as we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Enjoy a DJ, indulge in delicious food, and games. Don't miss this opportunity to honor our history and embrace our future together!