On June 11, CSUDH joined the California State University (CSU) system in commemorating Juneteenth — a holiday which not only celebrates Black excellence and achievement, but also calls for the redress of historic wrongs and continued pursuit of justice.
Alongside every other CSU campus, CSUDH livestreamed the CSU’s third biennial Juneteenth symposium, “Pathways to Progress: Legacy, Learning, and Leadership,” which took place at Cal State Los Angeles. During the event, CSU Chancellor Mildred García implored the CSU community to continue its longstanding mission of removing barriers and expanding access and opportunity for its students.
“We need to live equity,” she said. “It is our work, and we have to demonstrate that work.”
Keynote speaker Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, lauded the CSU during his remarks, calling it a “hidden gem” that educates populations too often excluded from higher education. He also contextualized the trajectory of Black rights within U.S. history, arguing that “we cannot understand the here and now without understanding this hard and difficult journey.”
“In this fight today, our number one adversary is lack of courage,” he said. “We must resist. This cause is not a political cause. This cause is a moral cause. It’s a moral command of this generation.”
Watch the recording of the CSU Juneteenth Symposium, which also includes a featured panel on the theme of “Pathways to Progress.”
CSUDH hosted its own programming following the symposium, including cultural performances and reflections about the significance of Juneteenth for the campus. University leaders emphasized that inclusion, equity, and belonging must be at the forefront of campus life to live up to CSUDH’s stated ideals.
“Today marks a new day of action,” said Interim President Mary Ann Villarreal. “As leaders, our responsibility is to not just sit and listen, but to move through those challenges that confront us.”
A panel of CSUDH and community leaders entitled “Beyond Juneteenth: It Can’t Stop Here” further explored how the university can best uphold its recent designation as a Black-Serving Institution (BSI). Panelists underscored that being a BSI is not just an honor — it is a responsibility for every member of the campus community.
Watch the CSUDH Juneteenth Celebration (requires CSUDH login credentials).
The celebration also welcomed City of Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, who reflected on rich diversity of the city and historic presence of the Black community.
Earlier in the month, the City of Carson honored CSUDH Professor and Chair of Africana Studies Salim Faraji with a Juneteenth Proclamation in recognition of his work and leadership. The Proclamation asserts Juneteenth’s significance and the role of Africana Studies in advancing African American history, culture, and contributions to American democracy.
Photo Gallery from CSUDH’s Juneteenth Celebration
