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. Panelists will also share their visionary plan to help educate the communities they serve that brings forth the recognition, celebration and service to Juneteenth.

Location details

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

471 W. Palmer St., Detroit, MI 48202

Pre-reception

5:30 to 6 p.m. – Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights Freedom Hall Atrium, Wayne Law Building

Panel discussion

6:15 to 7:30 p.m. – Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, Wayne Law Building

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

Lucius Vassar
Corporate Counsel & EVP for Equitable Engagement
Cinnaire
 
  

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 the Juneteenth website.

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