UIW's 2023 Juneteenth Celebration

WHAT:    The University of the Incarnate Word will hold its third, annual Juneteenth Celebration on Monday, June 19, 2023.  Juneteenth is made up of the words 'June' and 'nineteenth,' and it is on this day, in 1865, that official word of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War. For more than 150 years, Black Communities throughout the U.S. have celebrated Juneteenth as their “second Independence Day.”  

WHY:   Juneteenth is a national holiday, and the University of the Incarnate Word has committed to observe this day annually as an institutional commitment to highlight the resilient history of African Americans, celebrate diversity, and work for racial justice and equity within our institution, our country, and the global community.

WHEN: UIW’s Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled for Monday, June 19, 2022, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:   UIW’s Juneteenth Celebration will be held in the Student Engagement Center on the Broadway Campus, 4301 Broadway, SATX 78209.

HOW:   The goal of this year’s Juneteenth educational program is to increase knowledge and awareness of racism as a public health crisis that negatively impacts the health and well-being of African American and other communities. The interactive program includes the following:

2:30     Welcome, lunch, and a multi-organizational Health Fair focused on the wellness of Black patients, families, and other underserved communities. Participants will share a healthy meal, engage in conversation, learn yoga, and receive educational resources from organizations and community  advocates from our local community. 

4:00     An educational panel, led by experts, will facilitate a conversation on how structural racism continues to impact Black and other communities of color in our times – especially in healthcare disparities, the broken criminal justice system, political gerrymandering, and other systemic injustices.  The panelists will identify best practices, advocacy, and social action that can foster greater equity and community wellness.

5:00     A Juneteenth Celebration will begin with a performance by the Gospel Praise Team under the leadership of Director, Glynis Sims-Bonds. 

5:30     “Spoken Word” Presentations by UIW poets and Ms. Jess Mahogany – a local actress and artist – will highlight the power and resilience of Black history, art, and culture. 

6:45     The Student Leaders of “As One We Will” will close the celebration and highlight their upcoming programs.

 WHO:  The leadership of “AS ONE WE WILL” – a UIW Student Organization dedicated to social justice -  the UIW Athletics Department, the Office of Mission & Ministry, and several other partners, invite all members of the UIW Community and beyond to join us for an afternoon of celebrating and honoring Black History and uniting to address the social injustices of our present times.