This inclusive all-genders competition showcased FIU’s Nova Court: students who exemplify leadership qualities, self-confidence, and a commitment to their FIU community and beyond.
A captivating live panel discussion on the historical and contemporary significance of the Black Vote in America!
This discussion centered around the importance of the Rosewood tragedy in Florida History and how storytelling can be more than an art form, serving as a pathway for healing and reconciliation.
This discussion featured presentations by Dr. Nadine V. Wedderbum, Dr. Greg Carr, and Dr. Chike Akua in which they discussed various topics including "Ignorance, Racial Backlash, and the Politics of Education, "Race, Law, and Change," and "Transforming Forced Ignorance and Information Suppression in Education."
Juneteenth Calendar of Events
The university’s third-annual Juneteenth Celebration took place on June 10-19, 2023, starting off with the “Crossing Overtown” screening on June 10 at FIU's Frost Art Museum and culminating with a closing ceremony on June 19 at BBC.
- Ongoing: Juneteenth Reading Group
A 3-part virtual discussion group of historian Annette Gordon-Reed's "On Juneteenth". Participants received free copies of the book and professional development hours.
- Saturday, June 10th
Nova Star Networking Mixer
On June 10 students attended the Juneteenth Networking Mixer to meet employers hiring now! It was open to students approaching their junior and senior year as well as graduate students. Participating students received free entrance to the Nova Star Juneteenth Scholarship Competition Show immediately following the mixer.
Nova Star Juneteenth Scholarship Competition Show
On June 10 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at WUC Auditorium, BBC, we crowned an FIU Nova Star Ambassador. This competition showcased students who exemplify leadership, school spirit, and a commitment to their FIU community. Contestants competed in categories such as talent, Q&A session, and a short speech on an issue they are passionate about.
Missed the show?
- Monday, June 12th
Jumpstart your Financial Journey: Getting your House in Order
Powered by JP Morgan Chase, on June 12 via Zoom we hosted a panel discussion on how to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, manage your wealth, organize your finances, and understand credit! Led by Ken Fraizer, Vice President for Community and Business Development at JP Morgan Chase.
- Tuesday, June 13th
The Black Vote: Historical and Contemporary Significance
A captivating live panel discussion on the historical and contemporary significance of the Black Vote in America! The FIU community engaged with prominent political and civic leaders from South Florida as they delved into this vital topic on June 13th at the MARC Pavilion from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 14th
Seizing Untapped Power in Dangerous Times: Interrogating the Urgency of the Moment in Historical Context
Our annual virtual teach-in, scheduled on June 14 from 4:00-5:30 p.m., featured presentations by Dr. Nadine V. Wedderbum, SUNY, Empire State; Dr. Greg Carr, Howard University; and Dr. Chike Akua, Clark Atlanta University. The purpose of the teach-in was to acknowledge the various pressures acting upon our moment in time - including, especially, in the State of Florida - to interrogate their historical antecedents, to make visible the various through-lines transgressing time and space leading to the current moment, and to create dialogue about meaningful change, especially in the domains of education and law.
- Thursday, June 15th
Diving into Rosewood: A story
This conversation with FIU Theater professor and Rosewood playwright Melvin Huffnagle took place on June 15 from 1-2 pm via Zoom about his highly anticipated play on the history of Rosewood. This discussion centered around the importance of the Rosewood tragedy in Florida History and how storytelling can be more than an art form, serving as a pathway for healing and reconciliation.
- Friday, June 16th
Finding Our Flow: A Return to Home Yoga Session
On June 16 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Tamiami Hall Multipurpose Room we hosted a special yoga session with Amanda Bazil. Through a soulful and empowering yoga practice, we explored themes of liberation, resilience, and collective healing. We incorporated elements of black culture, music, and movements to create a rich and meaningful experience. Throughout the class, we focused on grounding and empowering poses that symbolize strength, freedom, and unity while exploring heart-opening poses to cultivate compassion and connect with the collective energy of freedom and love. We also embraced the power of intention and affirmation, setting personal intentions aligned with the principles of Juneteenth: liberation, equality, justice, and unity. Through guided reflection and meditation, we nurtured a sense of empowerment, fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness and power of community. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, we honored the strength and spirit of our ancestors while fostering personal and communal growth.
Emotional Emancipation Circle
On June 16 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Tamiami Hall Multipurpose Room we hosted the Emotional Emancipation Circle! It was a safe space designed to heal the trauma of anti-Black racism. In this circle, participants were encouraged to share their experiences as Black-identifying people across the Diaspora in order to wholly empower themselves. This session was hosted by Dr. Jameta N. Barlow, a certified EEC facilitator from George Washington University.
- Saturday, June 17th
Freedom Day Celebration
Rain or shine, the entire University community was invited to our third annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration. Lawn chairs and mats were welcomed as we gathered at the Earlene and Albert Dotson Pavilion Lawn (MARC building at MMC). This free event was open to the entire community and featured musical performances by Guitars over Guns and DJ Slim, local artisan vendors, activities, dancers, food trucks, raffles, and fun for the whole family. The first 200 faculty/staff and the first 200 students to register received a $15.00 food voucher to use at any of the event’s food trucks!
Check out the map here!
Painting with Faith
This activity was ongoing during Freedom Day at the lawns between MARC and PC from 1-5 pm.
- Monday, June 19th
Juneteenth Week Closing Ceremony
To wrap up our week of Juneteenth events, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion celebrated with a closing ceremony on June 19 from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the WUC Panther Square in BBC. There was also performances by African drummers and dancers, food trucks, and treats.
Reflecting Black to the Future: Celebrating Emancipation and Freedom Opening Reception
"Reflecting Black to the Future: Celebrating Emancipation and Freedom" is an exhibit by Dr. Valerie Patterson that celebrated its opening reception at the Miami Beach Urban Studios (MBUS) Design Gallery on June 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The exhibit, on display from June 19 to September 15, offers a retrospective of her use of mixed media, including digital technology, to build an art practice grounded in a love of Black history and culture. This exhibit incorporates work influenced by Patterson's early childhood in Coconut Grove, Florida, living and nurtured in a community of Black Bahamian pioneers. In this community, the importance of education and achievement were constantly emphasized. Encouraged at a very young age to read the biographies of Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Dr. George Washington Carver, over time she learned that these four and other liberators were constant stalwarts in the early struggle for the freedom of African-Americans. Their lives, impact, and images are embedded in and are the center of her art practice, as well as the histories and images of her Bahamian and African-American ancestors who figure prominently in her work. Patterson hopes that this exhibit offers an opportunity for viewers to identify and reflect on the themes of emancipation, liberation, upliftment, and joy that are possible amid the perpetual and ongoing struggle for all to live free and prosper in an environment that is at times hostile and threatening. For more information, visit the MBUS website.
Thank You To Our 2023 Sponsors
Support FIU's Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate with us by becoming a sponsor for our Nova Star Scholarship Competition and the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration.
Want to spread the word about our Juneteenth Celebration? Access the press kit
What does Juneteenth mean to FIU Panthers?
Educating, celebrating, and embracing the truths of Juneteenth can serve to expand the collective knowledge of our entire FIU community. Celebrating Juneteenth complements the work of the founding fathers, being the architects of the Declaration of Independence, and brings to the conversation, the 400 years black Americans have tried to achieve equality in enjoying ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’