“I believe raising awareness for this very important state and federal holiday (Juneteenth) allows an opportunity for our students to feel seen and celebrated,” Brandon Sanders, Black Student Service Coordinator at the Multicultural Center, said. “Juneteenth is an important time in history that our Black brothers and sisters celebrate to remember our freedom. In a country where it seems our skin color is highly politicized, it allows for us to remember our history and why that is the case.”
Juneteenth was declared a national holiday on June 17, 2021, two days before the observation on June 19, 2021. The official title of the federal holiday is “Juneteenth National Independence Day,” and it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
This year, the Multicultural Center will again participate in the 36th Annual Juneteenth Festival on Sunday, June 16, from noon to 5 p.m. at Rancho San Rafael Park. Organized by the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society (NNBCAS), the event is a vibrant festival filled with music, food, art and cultural performances.
This year’s theme is "Unity in Diversity: Honoring Our Shared Heritage." Organizers say, “In a world often marked by division, this event stands as a beacon of unity, respect and understanding. This year's theme emphasizes the celebration of our shared humanity and heritage.”
“This holiday is more than just a day off work; it is a time to remember how far we have come as a nation, but let us not forget that these things did take place. The Multicultural Center partaking in this festival shows that we are united in celebrating all cultures that make up the University of Nevada, Reno,” Sanders said.
This is one of several events where the NNBCAS and Multicultural Center have partnered together to support the Northern Nevada community, including the first University of Nevada, Reno Black Cultural Fest that took place in February as part of Black History Month. The two organizations plan to continue to collaborate on different programming opportunities for the Black student population as well as other cultural groups on campus and the greater Northern Nevada community as a whole.
"NNBCAS is dedicated to supporting ongoing and future programs that create a sense of belonging for our Black community as well as the Black student population," Sanders said.
You can learn more about the 36th Annual Juneteenth Festival on the .
