USD’s Third Annual Juneteenth Provides Important Space to ‘Reflect and Celebrate’

Attendance Nearly Doubles at University’s Latest Freedom Day Event

Reflection and celebration were the key themes of the University of San Diego (USD) third annual Juneteenth in the Ministry Center on Thursday, June 13.

Roughly 175 people attended the 2024 version of the event, a 75 percent increase from last year. 

“This remarkable growth is a result of the unwavering support from a dedicated network of individuals and departments across campus,” said Student Support Services Retention Specialist Ophelia Augustine, an organizer of the event who also served as emcee. 

The University of San Diego (USD) celebrated Juneteenth for the first time on June 9, 2022. The event is a partnership between USD's Black Employee Alliance (BEA) and Mission Integration and features several individuals who speak about the history and importance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

The event featured a keynote speech by Cory Gooding, PhD, an associate professor of political science and international relations, choir performances by USD Gospel Choir Director Ken Anderson, and spoken word performances by USD alumna Kaia Morrison ’23 and Psychology major Jae Johnson. 

Johnson’s poem was titled “Juneteenth,” and reflected on the experience of enslaved individuals who remained unfree for two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as contemporary feelings of pride and freedom in the present day.

“The commemoration of Juneteenth recognizes an opportunity for two things that are perfect for our gathering today, a moment to reflect and an opportunity for celebration,” said Gooding. “Juneteenth, unlike any other annual commemoration, requires us to stare directly into the face of the collective hypocrisy that founded this nation, specifically the commitment to life and liberty enshrined in the Declaration of Independence amidst the unswerving fidelity of slavery and the transatlatic slave trade.”

“Our moment of reflection should acknowledge that while words matter, they are not enough,” Gooding said. “This day represents an opportunity for reflection on the work done, and the work left to do.” 

“Celebration and joy are critical to regeneration for fights yet to come. It is in the moments of celebration that we get what we need to reorient ourselves to the struggle, set down our weariness and experience the beauty of who we are and what we’ve accomplished. It is in the laughter, it is in the sharing of food, it is in the listening to the beautiful music that we get what we need to do what we’ve got to do.”

Within the USD community and beyond, the celebration is testament to the steadfast partnerships and a growing allyship, said Augustine. 

“Witnessing the enthusiastic turnout of allies and supporters, who even arrived early to assist with setup, underscored the spirit of unity and solidarity that defines Juneteenth,” she said. “The heartfelt messages, emails and calls we've received following the event speak volumes about the positive impact it had on attendees. It's clear that this success is a reflection of our collective efforts and the open hearts and minds of everyone involved. Together, we have made this year's Juneteenth celebration a memorable and transformative experience, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and community.”

— Story and photos by Matthew Piechalak