Just days before June 19—a day referred to as “Juneteenth” to commemorate when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom in 1865—both the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill that would make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The bill will now go to President Joe Biden for his signature.
As in years past, the University of Miami Black Alumni Society will gather this year to recognize Juneteenth. The virtual celebration begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18, and will feature unique, interactive mixology. Alumna Nia Grace, the owner and operator of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen in Boston, and alumnus Andre Palmer, a culinary instructor for Stranahan High School in Broward County and owner of Palmer Collection (an array of island-inspired sauces and foods), will host cooking demonstrations.
Patricia Morgan, president of the Black Alumni Society, said the opportunity to learn, share, and grow with her fellow ’Canes as they celebrate Black history that is rarely unveiled in textbooks fills her with gratitude.
“Juneteenth is significant because it not only commemorates the emancipations of enslaved African Americans, it reminds us of our ancestors' resilience, strength, and untold stories,” said Morgan, the owner and lead consultant of The Executive Learning Lab. “For many years, our lived experiences have been withheld from us.”
Marvin Dunn, professor emeritus and retired chairman of the Department of Psychology at Florida International University, will lead a discussion moderated by KiAnna Dorsey, a University of Miami junior and executive producer of UMTV’s “The Culture.”
“I’m ecstatic and it’s long overdue,” said Astin Hayes, president-elect of the Black Alumni Society. “I’m glad people are recognizing the history of the day. I hate that it took a pandemic and the death of George Floyd to receive this recognition—I’ve been celebrating it for a long time.”
Sometimes referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is traditionally celebrated across the country with parades, festivals, and concerts. Hayes, a longtime professional in the hospitality industry, wanted to do something different this year to celebrate the day.
“Food is such an important part of our culture,” said Hayes, who was inspired by the documentary series, “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America,” to highlight culturally Black food. “We wanted to not only give a platform to our alumni, but we also wanted to support Black businesses and showcase what they have to offer.”
Landon Coles, a senior and president of Student Government, said he is proud to support and attend the celebration. He noted that his administration supports the idea of the day being recognized as a federal holiday.
“Juneteenth is truly a significant day where the United States moved ever closer to the ideal that all men are created equal, securing the liberty for all Black people,” said Coles. “Creating space each year to celebrate this day and its significance is so important, because it reminds us of how far we have come and how far we must go to support and endow our Black and native communities.”
Register to attend the event.
