University of Michigan hosts annual Juneteenth symposium: What to know

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan is holding its third annual Juneteenth symposium.

The symposium will be held on June 15 and June 16 on the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus. The theme of the event is “Systems Check: Exploring Structural Solutions to Systemic Racism.”

There will be in-depth discussions about the impact of systemic racism and solutions in several areas including fair housing, voter suppression, and education access. There will be the exploration of how to develop and implement policy to create a more equitable and just society.

• Dates: June 15, June 16

• Location: Michigan League 911 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109

The symposium will also include celebratory traditions of Juneteenth, and a film festival at the State Street Theater on June 16, and Juneteenth activities at the KidZone Tent.

The closing keynote will feature Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. Glaude is an author, political commentator, and educator. Glaude is an expert on the dynamics of the American experience. He has several writings including “Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul,” “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America,” and his most recent, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.”

The goal of the symposium is to enrich the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor communities by highlighting the importance of Juneteenth and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Below is a letter to the university community from vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer Tabbye Chavous.

“As we head into the summer months, for many of us, we are provided with an opportunity to catch our collective breath and reflect on the many things that occur throughout the academic year. We are also very fortunate at the University of Michigan to have the opportunity to engage with our University community outside of the traditional academic semester through a variety of engaging and impactful events.

“In looking ahead to some of these summer events, I would like to invite our entire community to attend the third annual Juneteenth symposium. The theme of this year’s event, ‘Systems Check: Exploring Structural Solutions to Systemic Racism’ will take place on June 15-16 2023 on the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus.

“Juneteenth honors the progress of African Americans in the United States since the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 while continuing to recognize the ongoing efforts to overcome systemic injustices and inequalities faced by Black communities. In 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.

“The symposium will include in-depth discussions about the impact of systemic racism and plausible solutions in the areas of fair housing, voter suppression and education access, exploring how to develop, and implement policy to create a more equitable and just society. The symposium will also include longstanding celebratory traditions of Juneteenth, culminating with a film festival at the State Street Theater on the evening of June 16, and Juneteenth activities at the KidZone Tent, part of the Ann Arbor Top of the Park annual celebration.

“The closing keynote will feature Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator. An expert on the complex dynamics of the American experience, his writings including ‘Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul,’ ‘In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America,’ and his most recent, ‘Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.’ The work of Glaude examines Black communities, the difficulties of race in the United States, and the challenges we face as a democracy.

“Glaude is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and Chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton. He is also on the Morehouse College Board of Trustees. He frequently appears in media, including as a columnist for TIME Magazine and an MSNBC contributor on programs such as “Morning Joe” and “Deadline Whitehouse with Nicolle Wallace.” He is also a regular contributor on ‘Meet the Press’ on Sundays. Glaude also hosts Princeton’s AAS podcast, a conversation around the field of African American Studies and the Black experience in the 21st century.

“This year’s symposium aims to enrich the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor communities by underscoring the importance of Juneteenth –  ensuring all students, staff, faculty and residents feel a deep sense of belonging.

“I look forward to this celebration as an opportunity to advance our educational mission while seeking to empower the community in a longstanding annual tradition to promote Black liberation and excellence.

“The Juneteenth symposium is coordinated by the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives – a unit of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”