Juneteenth is a day when Black freedom and joy are celebrated. It has a rich history that celebrates Blackness and the continued push for racial equity and justice. 

While the holiday provides an opportunity to reflect, educate and advocate for the values of freedom that are contradicted by different practices and norms, Juneteenth is often left out of school curriculum and history textbooks. 

The Wayne State Organization of Black Alumni presents a Juneteenth panel discussion that examines American freedoms in school systems and beyond.

In this enlightening panel discussion, Wayne State educators reflect on the historical significance of Juneteenth and the educational importance in American classrooms. Panelist will also share their visionary plan to help educate the communities they serve that brings forth the recognition, celebration and service to Juneteenth.

Juneteenth: Freedoms, Education and Resilience 

Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights Freedom Hall Atrium and Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium

471 W. Palmer St., Detroit, MI 48202 

Thursday, June 15 | 5:30 PM EST/4:30 PM CST

Pre-reception

5:30 - 6 p.m. - Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights Freedom Hall Atrium

Panel discussion

6:15 - 7:30 p.m. - Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium

MASTER OF CEREMONY:

Gregory Bowens, '92
Owner, Bowens & Co.

Founder, Past President, Executive Board Member

Grosse Pointe & Harper Woods NAACP Branch

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, M.Ed., '04, '08

Detroit Public Schools Board of Education at-large member

Former State Representative, Michigan 8th House District

MODERATOR:

PANELISTS:

Joe Bush, Jr., '23
Director of Mentoring and Operations
Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA)

Dr. Adrienne Nathan, 23
Director of Community Partnerships and Outreach
Wayne Westland Community Schools 

Gregory Anderson, '18

Director, Flip the Script Empowerment Programs
Goodwill Detroit

Kristin Johnston, '20

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

University of Detroit Mercy

For more information on other Juneteenth events and celebrations, visit this the Juneteenth website here.

This event is open to the Wayne State community and broader public.