MSU celebrated Juneteenth with many offerings

Black Students' Alliance President Marcus McDaniel Jr. (right) and Black Graduate Student Association President Antonio White (left) offer welcome remarks. McDaniel is studying human biology and White is a graduate student of neuroscience. Photo by Dane Robison.

Many Spartan fan favorites were in attendance, including Head Football Coach Mel Tucker II, Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller, Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo and Head Volleyball Coach Leah Johnson. Photo by Dane Robison

Critical Race Studies Artist-in-Residence Elka Stevens (left) participated in the Harlem Renaissance art exhibit showcasing selections from “38.8% Visualizing Racial Identity in Search of Selfhood and Others.” Stevens poses with Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., and Assistant Director of Advancement Events Jill Devers. Photo by Dane Robison.

The Idlewild Cabaret featured powerful and moving vocal acts and spoken word poetry, including a performance by local artist Ny’kieria Blocker. “It was inspirational to see community and Spartan voices and artists share their talents and stories,” said Jade Richards, an attendee and MSU Dialogues coordinator. The cabaret was coordinated by Juneteenth Committee member Lynn Lammers, artisitic coordinator of the Transforming Theatre Ensemble. Photo by Dane Robison.

Professor of English Julian Chambliss gives the keynote address “Not Only Darkness: The Legacy and Future of Black Speculative Practice” at the MSU Juneteenth Celebration. Chambliss’ speech highlights the history and meaning of Afrofuturism as a “pathway” to create a more equitable society through questioning oppressive systems. Photo by Dane Robison.

Soloist LaNette Hester’s majestic performance of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," resonates throughout the arena, marking the start of the program. Photo by Dane Robison.

Spartan jazz quintet performs at the MSU Juneteenth Celebration featuring College of Music students, from left to right, Hugh Downs (guitar), Trunino Lowe (trumpet), Sofia Rabiela (bass), Hasan Belgrave (alto sax) and Sarah Whitaker (drums). Photo by Dane Robison.

Sparty joined in the festivities! Photo by Dane Robison.

MSU Juneteenth Celebration speakers, from left to right: President of the Black Faculty, Staff Administrators Association and Juneteenth Committee Co-Chair Stratton Lee III, WKAR Senior Director of Content and Communication and Juneteenth Committee Co-Chair Julie Sochay, Trustee Renee Knake Jefferson, Trustee Rema Vassar, President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., Vice Chair of the Faculty Senate Stephanie Anthony, President of the Black Students' Alliance Marcus McDaniel Jr., Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs  Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., Professor of English Julian Chambliss and President of the Black Graduate Student Association Antonio White. Photo by Dane Robison.

Vice Chair of the Faculty Senate Stephanie Anthony speaks on the significance of Juneteenth at MSU. Central to Anthony’s message is a shared history and ancestry. “We are connected whether we realize it or not,” she said following her speech. Photo by Dane Robison.

The Black Wall Street business exhibition featured more than 23 local entrepreneurs, including Organic Restorative Suds owner and MSU Assistant Professor Amara E. Ezeamama (right). Photo by Dane Robison.