The Black Student Union (BSU) invites Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) students and staff to celebrate Juneteenth by having select clubs host their own tables, holding live performances of song and dance, and educating those in attendance on what Juneteenth means.
June 19th, 1865 marks the day that the Union Army made its way into Galveston, Texas where General Gordon Granger announced to the people of Texas that all enslaved African Americans were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1863) freed African Americans in Confederate states, and the Civil War ended April 1865, it wasn’t enforced with the Union Army until June 19th, 1865 – Juneteenth. However, it wasn’t until the 13th amendment was ratified in December of 1865 that enslaved people were free throughout the nation. Nonetheless, Juneteenth is a day to pay tribute and celebrate.
BSU and Ammerman’s African American Student Union (AASU) welcomed everyone in attendance, starting off with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” sung by the Theater Club. Professor Norman Daniels gave a powerful speech on celebrating freedom and honoring the journey, which was followed up by a brilliant dance performance by the Watch Your Step Dance Club. There was time set apart for students to have conversations with the elders – varying from professors on campus or family members who attended the event. Just before the food was served, Ammerman’s Jazz Club gave a riveting performance! SCCC clubs such as the Fashion Club, Global Connections, Rotaract Club, and our very own Western Student Press held tables with Juneteenth themed activities for everyone to play. Further, community organizations such as Office of Minority Health and Islip NAACP held information tables.
BSU’s Juneteenth event had an overwhelming turnout which was filled with important conversations and fun activities to get everyone who participated amped up and celebrating.