In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, departments from across UNC Greensboro (UNCG) are collaborating to create a walking tour of significant campus locations. The self-guided tour, “Passport to Juneteenth @UNCG,” will illustrate the historical and ongoing journey from liberation to equality for African Americans at UNCG and throughout society.
get moving on Juneteenth
Passport to Juneteenth @UNCG is scheduled for Monday, June 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants can begin as early as 11 a.m. at the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies located in the Curry Building, Room 349, where walkers can pick up a guide for the 30-minute walk.
UNCG’s Juneteenth Planning Committee is intentional about creating an event with an active element this year. Co-organizer Christina Yongue from the Department of Public Health Education reminds us that the act of walking has been a symbol of support for African American liberation and equality throughout history.
“It’s a nod to 1960 when Greensboro high school and college students, including some from UNCG, walked in solidarity with students from NC A&T State University and Bennett College to sit-ins in downtown Greensboro. And today, teams of friends walking together represents a practical solution to reduce chronic illness and promote health and wellness.”
Celebrate UNCG’s Place in the Movement
The final stop of the self-guided tour will be Jackson Library, where participants will gather for a presentation at noon in Room 177A Computer Lab. The Hodges Reading Room (2nd Floor Main Library) will exhibit library collections highlighting African American history, including an 1845 printing of Frederick Douglass’ “Life and Narrative of Frederick Douglass” and other items of historical significance to the civil rights movement and our state and university’s role in it. A reception will follow the presentation.
The Juneteenth Planning Committee welcomes students, faculty, and community members to observe the holiday by attending this special event. RSVPs are encouraged and sponsors include UNCG Faculty Senate, Bryan School of Business and Economics, UNCG Jackson Library, African American & African Diaspora Studies, The Office of Intercultural Engagement, and the Department of Public Health Education.
“Since we began planning Juneteenth events three years ago, we’ve realized that the Juneteenth story is bigger than you can imagine, and we are honored to tell that story through the collaborative efforts of many people and departments all over campus,” explains Dr. Channelle James. James is a dean’s fellow for school climate and Bryan School of Business and Economics faculty member who is helping to organize the event. “These efforts show that UNCG’s rich community is built from the contributions of many cultures and people. The Juneteenth observance is a great reminder of the campus we strive to be.”
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by David Rowe & Sean Norona, University Communications, unless otherwise noted.
