Burlington Standard

The University of Vermont issued the following announcement.

Juneteenth has been recognized and celebrated by cities and communities to varying degrees since its inception in 1865, and as of this year, it is the University of Vermont’s newest administrative holiday. While many states including Vermont had officially recognized Juneteenth as a holiday or day of remembrance between the 1980s and 2010s, the push to make it a federal holiday experienced a resurgence in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd and in the wake of nationwide protests surrounding police brutality and racial justice. Juneteenth holds a lot of complexity: It uplifts Black excellence and joy while also calling attention to the historical voids, inequities, and discrimination that Black and African Americans—and people of color more broadly—have faced within the United States. Interested in finding out what you can do in recognition of this holiday? Here are some ways to engage with Juneteenth this year. 

Celebrate 

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans that did not occur in Galveston Texas until June 19, 1865, two months after the end of the Civil War. In addition to acknowledging this important moment in U.S. history, Juneteenth is also seen as a time to celebrate African American culture and Black excellence in ways that span from family gatherings to large, city-wide events. If you’re looking to connect with more community and experience joy this Juneteenth, check out the following:  

• Burlington’s Juneteenth Celebration (June 17-19). This is the second annual celebration put on by the Queen City and it aims to bring community empowerment, education, and entertainment through music, food, programming, and love. This year’s theme is “A Love Story,” and the lineup is filled with events for all ages and interests and features the Black Experience Celebration, a free, holistic event honoring Vermont’s Black lived experience headlined by activist, educator, and author, Angela Davis. 
• Winooski’s Juneteenth Celebration (June 19). This first annual event will acknowledge, educate, and celebrate the importance of Juneteenth. Music and food that celebrates and honors Black freedom and joy will be available from 3-8pm in the downtown rotary park. 
• Not local? Check out the celebrations going on in some of the major U.S. cities and CNN’s listing of both in-person and virtual opportunities. 

Learn 

While Juneteenth has been recognized in parts of the country for over 150 years, its significance has been widely under-acknowledged. Below are some resources and learning opportunities to engage with to increase your knowledge and understanding of the holiday: 

• Head over to the Allen House (461 Main Street) at noon on Friday, June 17th for a screening of I Am Not Your Negro, a 2016 documentary directed by Raoul Peck that completes James Baldwin’s unfinished novel by the same name. After the viewing, Dr. Sherwood Smith, Senior Executive Director for Faculty Engagement and Inclusive Excellence, will facilitate a discussion about the film.  
• The University of Vermont Health Network will be presenting two panel discussions on Black Health as part of Burlington’s Juneteenth Celebration. Sessions take place on June 19th at 1 and 3:45 p.m. and will be moderated by Adrianne Johnson Ross, MHA, President and COO of UVM Health Network’s Home Health and Hospice; and Jackie Hunter, DC MHA, SVP, UVM Health Network’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Panelists include Dr. Marissa Coleman, VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UVM Medical Center, and Dr. Noma Anderson, Dean of UVM’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. 
• Watch the Juneteenth episode of Across the Fence. This episode focuses on the history of this holiday and how it connects to the work UVM is undertaking in its DEI strategic planning process. 

Act 

Long-standing inequities and practices that have perpetuated injustices do not disappear through education alone. This Juneteenth, engage in action that confronts racial disparities and helps move us to a future where freedom and justice are achievable for all: 

• Support Black businesses and organizations. Websites like Black Owned Everything and EatOkra connect consumers to Black owned brands and restaurants providing a sense of community and uplifting Black businesses, community, and excellence. For more local listings, check out the Vermont Professionals of Color Network Business Directory and UVM’s Cultural Resource Guide. 
• Take the City of Burlington’s Culturology Assessment. With the mission of inspiring and encouraging folks who live and work in Burlington to create and maintain a culture conducive for the equity, inclusion, and expansion of the cultures comprising the community, this assessment evaluates current culture and helps identify gaps and first steps to achieving the city’s goal. 
• Get involved with Vermont Racial Justice Alliance. This group works to mitigate the direct impact of and dismantle the systemic origins of racism in Vermont while driving transformation across state and local government. In addition to supporting events and initiatives, you can sign up for emails or donate. 
• Volunteer your time. Both the Burlington and Winooski celebrations are still looking for folks to help out with the day-of festivities.  

Original source can be found here.