Juneteenth Celebration 2021

The inaugural event will take place virtually from June 15 to June 17

The Inaugural University of Redlands Juneteenth Celebration

The University of Redlands is proud to present a three-day celebration to bring awareness of Juneteenth Emancipation Day. This inaugural event aims to serve as a unified and collective voice to represent the diverse, lived experiences of the Black community at the University of Redlands and all of its campuses.

 

Presented by: Black Student Faculty Staff Administrator and Alumni (BSFSAA) in collaboration with Black Student Union (BSU) and Campus Diversity & Inclusion (CDI)

 

Opal Lee

Help make Juneteenth a  national holiday!

"Hello, I am Opal Lee from Fort Worth, Texas and I am 94 years old. I want Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday. Yes, Juneteenth originated in Texas, but 47 states now have it as a state day of observance to commemorate the ending of slavery, and more are making it a paid day off including Virginia, New York, and Texas. I believe Juneteenth can be a unifier because it recognizes that slaves didn't free themselves and that they had help, from Quakers along the Underground Railroad, abolitionists both black and white like Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, soldiers and many others who gave their lives for the freedom of the enslaved."

Sign the petition: Tell the United States Congress you want to make Juneteenth a National Holiday

Take the Juneteenth program survey

Give us feedback about your experience at the inaugural event.

Take survey

Tuesday, June 15

Flag ceremony

Juneteenth Flag Ceremony

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
10 a.m.
Click here to view recorded session

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The History of Juneteenth

Presented by Alesha Knox, M.Ed., and Dr. Shindale Seale

Why do we need to celebrate Juneteenth? Why should we fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday? Join us as we talk about the history of Juneteenth and how we can celebrate this much-needed holiday now and in the future. This presentation will explore slavery in America, the Underground Railroad, and talk about people who played pivotal roles to help make Juneteenth possible for Blacks and African Americans to be "truly free." 

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Click here to view recorded session

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Black in STEM

18 percent of all students graduate with a STEM degree, but only about 2 percent are Black. Join Myiesha Taylor, M.D., Shindale Seale, School of Education Dean Mario Martinez, Chanel Johnson, and Trevor Thomas, D.D.S. in a discussion on career options for the Black community in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The panel will explore the multiple facets of STEM careers while exploring the need to see successful brothers and sisters within these fields.  

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
12:50 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Click here to view recorded session

Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Finding Our Ancestors: Collecting Oral Family History

Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Discovering your family history by exploring historical records and other resources is easier than you think! Genealogist, activist, and historian Antoinette Harrell holds an emphasis on African American history in the Tangipahoa & St. Helena Parishes in Louisiana. In this talk, Harrell will discuss online resources and aids to help you with your genealogy research. You will learn how to conduct and plan oral history interviews. Most importantly, you will learn what questions to ask and how to preserve your interviews.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Click here to view recorded session

Untold Stories

Untold Stories of Black History in Redlands, California

Learn more about Black history in Redlands, California: This event will allow participants to understand and share stories of Black history in Redlands. With a focus on the contributions of notable Black U of R alumni such as Dr. Dorothy Inghram and Dr. Amos Isaac, find out who blazed the trail for the Black community in Redlands. 

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
3:10 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.
Click here to view recorded session

Paint and sip

U of R Virtual Paint and Sip

Artist Derrick Dzine will teach you how to paint an original, Juneteenth-related piece as a way to honor the Inaugural Juneteenth celebration.
Preregistration is now closed. Space is limited to 50 attendees. If you missed the registration, you are welcome to purchase your paint supplies and join us.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Black Art

Virtual Black Art Museum

In celebration of Juneteenth, we invite you to celebrate Black art. All submitted original artwork in many forms is now on display and are available for viewing. 
Click here to enter Virtual Black Art Museum 

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Our scavenger hunt begins at 11:50 a.m. daily, from June 15 to17, when we release a list of objects you can hunt down over three days to win prizes. Follow @redlandsbsfsaa, and post everything you find on Instagram. Keep an eye out for bonus items posted daily; you must be present all three days to receive the list of items and win. Details and rules will be given on June 15, 2021, at 11:50 a.m. The first-place winner will receive prizes. See you there! BSFSAA, BSU, and CDI members are not eligible to win, however, everyone is welcomed to play.

11:50 a.m. daily, from Tuesday, June 15 to Thursday, June 17 

 

Wednesday, June 16

Opal Lee interview

Social Impact Leader, Opal Lee

Live Interview by University of Redlands Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer Christopher Jones, J.D.

Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer Christopher Jones, J.D. interviews  Opal Lee on why Juneteenth is an important date for the Black and African American community and why June 19 should be a nationally celebrated holiday. Opal Lee describes her walk to Washington, D.C., and invites everyone to walk with her opalswalk2dc.com. To open this event a Poem called "The Color of Struggle" performed by Joemac.

Immediately following the interview,  Lee will take part in a live  Q&A session led by Shindale Seale, Ed.D. 

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 
Click here to view recorded session

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How to Make it Home Safe

Presented by Jimmy Bradley '21

In this session, the University of Redlands BIPOC community will be privy to an opportunity to discuss the do’s and don’ts of a traffic stop: What to say, what to do, and how to be prepared. This interview and Q&A session will give tips and educate participants on verbiage that will encourage a safe interaction so you make it home safely and live to file a complaint. We hope this conversation with a Black man—an officer and a community leader—can help make a difference for you in your next traffic stop.

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Click here to view recorded session

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Health and Wellness

Presented by Nyree Clark, Dr. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, Judge Margery L. Melvin, Dr. Nicolette James, Dr. Michael Cobbina, BBC

Health care is the heartbeat of every community. Join this lively panel session to explore physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness as seen through the lens of the Black community, students, and educators. This discussion will seek to examine multiple perspectives to engage all stakeholders. Our goal is to create a space to look at mental health through multiple lenses to share strategies and best practices in building capacity in our communities.
 

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
2:10 p.m - 3:10 p.m.
Click here to view recorded session

Cooking Demo

Come Cook with Us—A Historical Foods Demonstration

Learn about where some of the foods that our ancestors ate came from, and how to cook them in this fun and interactive workshop.  We’ll have cooking demos, a little fun history, and recipes that will wow you!

Spicy Fried Plantain Cubes

Mother-daughter team Mrs. Grace Clerk & Lavern Clerk ‘21

Ingredients:
4-6 ripe plantains with little black spots
1-2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon lemon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon bouillon powder or small bouillon Maggie cube (optional)
oil for deep frying
1/4 onion cut into pieces
1 teaspoon Cayenne or chili pepper
1/2- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger

Red Velvet Cake

Mrs. Joy Clark, President of BSFSAA

Ingredients:
1 pkg German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 cup sour cream
½ cup water
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 oz bottle of red food color
3 eggs
Frosting ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese
1 stick butter
16 oz box powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
3:20 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
Click here to view recorded session

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Crown and Glory: Historical Hair Loss and Advice for Nauralistas

An interview by Jayla Brown '22, BSU, BSFSAA

Black people often suffer from hair loss due to stress, diet, and products. On Instagram Live, Ky Smith and Nicola Forbes Martin will answer your questions on all things hair-related so you can walk away empowered. "By bringing knowledge and awareness to our community, we can give all attendees a start on pinpointing hair loss, product knowledge, and achieving overall healthy hair."

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
This is an IG live event
Follow us on Instagram @redlandsbsfsaa

Thursday, June 17

The Reveal of "The Black Pages"

Many Black directories—which give exposure and visibility to Black-owned firms—are available across the United States. As Black communities continue to seek familiar and safe spaces, Black directories continue to be necessary for our well-being. To add a business listing please email bsfsaa@redlands.edu. It is an honor to announce, The Black Pages are now available for viewing click here for viewing.

Thursday, June 17, 2021 
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Click here to view recorded session

Dr. King with quote Justice too long delayed is justice denied.

UoReal Talk

Join us for a compelling conversation on judicial diversity, racial inclusion, and empowerment with Black pioneer within the Colorado judicial system Judge Gary Jackson and civil rights icon Attorney Virgil Roberts.

Thursday, June 17, 2021
10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Click here to view recorded session

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#CultureTags

Sign in to join this fun game, and win cash prizes! From the creator of “Because of Them We Can”, #CultureTags is a spirited game that will test just how well you know the culture. The game is simple: Grab a card, show your team the #CultureTag (acronym) and give hints to help them guess the phrase without saying what it is. Can't figure it out? Pass! Just get through as many answers as possible before your time runs out. Categories include Black Twitter, Church, Daily Sayings, Family and Friends, Film and TV, Songs and Lyrics, and Words to Live By. #CultureTags is a game for people who love hashtags and the culture. 

Thursday, June 17, 2021
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Evolve

BlaQ Celebration and History

Presented by Evolve Benton

Sponsored by the University of Redlands Pride Center, this conversation with Evolve Benton—poet, healer, and speaker—will include interactive dialogue about Juneteenth and LGBTQ history. We will explore intersectionality and healing around the erasure of LGBTQ identity in the Black community. The hour-long event will include the following activities: poetry reading, history of the moment, writing prompt, break-out room discussion, group share back, and action steps. Limited to 50 people.

Thursday, June 17, 2021
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 
Click here to view recorded session

Win an Amazon giftcard

We're calling all students who are members of the Black Student Union (BSU) and Black Student, Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Alumni Association (BSFSAA)

In honor of Juneteenth, the Sisterhood Book Club of Los Angeles donated a $200 Amazon gift card for textbooks and supplies. To enter the contest, creatively express "What does Juneteenth mean to me?" through an essay, art, poem, or song—your choice. Then, submit your creations to juneteenth@redlands.edu by Monday, June 21, for an opportunity to win!
 

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Juneteenth Poster Contest Winner

Congratulations to Dalyn Montgomery for being selected as the winner of the 2021 Juneteenth Poster Contest.

The poster will be displayed in the Office of Campus Diversity and Inclusion in commemoration of the Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration 2021.

Download Poster

Resources

Juneteenth Sample Letter

Campus Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is encouraging people who support recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday to contact their congressional representative. A sample letter and a link to your representative are provided.

Learn more

Connect with CDI

Campus Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) works collaboratively with many individuals, departments and offices to create a campus where diversity is welcomed and celebrated.

Learn more

Connect with the Office of Community Standards and Wellbeing

The Office of Community Standards and Wellbeing plays a vital role in helping the University of Redlands to be “community of scholars.” We live out this ideal by being a community that fosters wellbeing and academic success, and in which all members participate in and uphold the standards derived from our shared values.

Learn more

Thank you

An event of this magnitude takes leaders from across the University and the greater Redlands community. Thank you for your time and commitment to making the Inaugural Juneteenth Virtual Celebration a reality.

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  • Jennifer Alvarado, University Communications
  • Elizabeth Beck '23
  • Jayla Brown '22
  • Lilledeshan Bose, University Communications
  • Carlo Carrascoso, Banta Center for Ethical and Purposeful Leadership
  • Amanda Chiles '21
  • Sue Chhem, Graduate & Professional Enrollment
  • Joy Clark, Admissions
  • Nyree Clark ’23
  • Lavern Clerk ’23
  • Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, Ph.D., Graduate School of Theology
  • Pamela Allen Coleman, Graduate & Professional Enrollment
  • Michelle Dang, University Communications
  • Mackenzie Dawes, Event & Office Services
  • Professor Mousumi De, School of Education
  • Elana Denver, 
  • Dr. Rudolph Dimery, Community Member
  • Jennifer Dobbs, University Communications
  • Rita Foster '78
  • Luis Garcia, Academic Computing and Instructional Technology Services
  • Leeann Gonzales, Graduate & Professional Enrollment
  • Bishop Green, Community Member and Second Baptist Church
  • Sarah Griffin, University Communications
  • Jennifer Guzman, Campus Services
  • David Hazward ’22
  • Camille Houston, Continuing Studies
  • Jaye Howard, University Communications
  • Professor Nicole Howard, School of Education
  • Christopher Leon Jones, Jr. J.D., Campus, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Kierra Jones
  • Natalya Romo-Jones, Community Member and National Council of Negro Women, SGV
  • Athletics
  • Alesha Knox, Admission
  • Alyssa Lewis ’20
  • Ziki Malata
  • Graduate & Professional Enrollment
  • Dean Mario Martinez; School of Education
  • Tekia McNeil, Chair and Graduate & Professional Enrollment
  • Dalyn Montgomery, Graduate & Professional Enrollment
  • Stacey Neeley, Enrollment Management
  • Katie Olson, University Communications
  • Arah Parker '22
  • Monique Pope, Military & Veteran's Services
  • Perla Ramos, Graduate & Professional Enrollment
  • Chrystina Smith-Rasshan, Ed.D '02, '22;
  • Mario Saucedo, Community Member & Second Baptist Church
  • Monique Stennis, Campus, Diversity, and Inclusion and BSFSSA Vice President
  • Nancy Svenson, School of Business Enrollment
  • Katie Thew '23
  • Professor Jennifer Tilton, Race and Ethnic Studies & UCIC
  • Peter Tupou, Campus, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Elizabeth Villegas, Graduate & Professional Enrollment

Special thanks to the California Army National Guard, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, and Team Riverside for participating in the Flag Ceremony. Sergeant Rhiannon Brown, 17’; Sergeant Andrew Sanchez, Rifle Bearer; Specialist Lazaro Martinez, Rifle Bearer; Staff Sergeant Daniel Salas, State Flag; Staff Sergeant Reneljoe Hembrador, National Colors.

Latest News

From left to right: Martín Hoecker-Martínez, Adriana Alvarado, Anuradha Diekmann '19, Steven Moore
University receives $2.9M HSI federal grant

Funding will fortify existing programs and support development of new initiatives that create a sense of belonging for all students.

Nine recipients were awarded the Juneteenth Freedom Award for their work in the community by "building bridges to the generations."
Juneteenth—building bridges between communities

The University of Redlands co-hosted the City of Redlands’ First Annual Freedom Awards Reception, honoring nine recipients. Christopher Jones, the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer, shared resources to learn more about Juneteenth.

University of Redlands Chapel illuminated by rainbow colors in celebration of Pride Month and in honor of Will Wright '22.
Pride Month celebrated at U of R

The University of Redlands celebrates Pride Month with a colorful display on the Memorial Chapel and flying the Pride Flag. Professors and students share what Pride means to them.