"I dream a world where all will know sweet freedom's way."
~ Langston Hughes
On June 19, we join communities across the nation in honoring Juneteenth and celebrating its message of courage, equality and freedom for all.
The campus recently came together to mark the holiday by breaking bread and taking a deeper dive into the history of the day that is also sometimes known as Freedom Day. The event included a look at the meaning of the symbols now closely associated with Juneteenth and a reading of the work “I Dream A World” by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes.
In addition to Roanoke students, organizers also welcomed middle school students with The Humble Hustle, a locally founded community nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black youth.
Dr. Teresa Ramey, vice president for community, diversity and inclusion, said the event wove together many of the things that make our campus such a special place. “We wouldn’t be Roanoke without fellowship, community and opportunities to learn more,” she said.
Freedom Day
Alyasá Jones, director for multicultural education and retention, gave a reading of the poem “I Dream A World” by Langston Hughes during the on-campus celebration of Juneteenth held June 15.
Vice President for Community, Diversity and Inclusion Teresa Ramey shared more of the history of Juneteenth during the on-campus celebration of the holiday held in the Wortmann Ballroom. Her presentation included a look at the deep symbolism of the imagery used in the Juneteenth flag.
Chaplain Chris Bowen kicked off the campus celebration by leading the gathering in an invocation. "Let us sing songs of joy and celebration," he said. "Oh God, thank you for the freedoms we experience. But let us not take for granted at what cost we experience them."
The celebration, which drew a packed crowd to the Wortmann Ballroom, included time for food, fellowship and community. This marked the fourth annual Juneteenth commemoration held on campus.