‘Sober Conversation,’ live music, and poetry: two-part celebration highlights significance of Juneteenth

Posted on June 21, 2022

UNCG student Faith Howell speaks at the Juneteenth Celebration with Dr. Christina Yongue
UNCG student Faith Howell speaks at the Juneteenth Celebration with Dr. Christina Yongue
Faith Howell ’22 speaks at the Juneteenth Celebration with Associate Professor of Public Health Education Christina Yongue

More than 180 people representing UNC Greensboro, Guilford College, NC A&T, and the community attended the Juneteenth Celebration at the Weatherspoon Art Museum or watched virtually. This event featured world class music, delicious Juneteenth holiday food, powerful testimonials, and stirring spoken word poetry.

In addition, people have the opportunity to learn more about the significance of the holiday during an upcoming virtual book discussion of “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed.

More than 100 people attended the event on June 20 in person. An online recording of the event is linked on the Racial Equity site for anyone interested in watching or revisiting it.

The food was provided by Savor the Moment Bakery located in downtown Greensboro and Sidwills Cafe and Catering in Jamestown. 

The event followed “Sober Conversation on Juneteenth” on June 17, a virtual discussion facilitated by Brian Robinson and Nakia Hoskins with the University Libraries. They shared the timeline of events surrounding Juneteenth, then Michael Cauthen and Robinson led a dialogue on important questions that complicate the celebration of Juneteenth for African Americans.

Book Discussion
July 18 at Noon

Everyone is invited to mark their calendars for the Zoom meeting to discuss “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed. The book discussion will be led by Christina Yongue, associate professor of Public Health Education.

Print and online versions of the book are available at the UNCG Library.

Click here for the link to register in advance. Information on how to join the meeting will be shared in the confirmation email.

Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications; and Augusto Pena, Office of Intercultural Engagement
Photography by Christina Yongue, Public Health Education; and Nakia Hoskins, University Advancement

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