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BYU Office of Belonging gathers students in unity at Juneteenth celebration

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Attendees smile for a group picture taken at the BYU Office of Belonging's Juneteenth celebration inside the Wilkinson Student Center on June 18. This is the office's third year hosting a Juneteenth celebration. (Christian Salazar)

More than 200 students gathered at the BYU Wilkinson Student Center on June 18 for the Office of Belonging's third annual Juneteenth celebration.

They were treated to food and posters telling the story of the holiday. Students, faculty and staff were invited to gather in unity and reflection.

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers came to Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were free.

Since then, it has been celebrated as a day of African American freedom. It became a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Fui Vakapuna, manager of experiences and initiatives at the Office of Belonging, spoke on how his office was inspired to start the event three years ago, referencing pioneers, Juneteenth and those who have influenced individual lives.

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Lita Little Giddins speaks at the BYU Office of Belonging Juneteenth celebration. Her message focused on belonging and the importance of the holiday. (Christian Salazar)

The Office of Belonging was inspired to start their Juneteenth celebration with the purpose of “bringing people together, especially all our students,” Vakapuna said. "And having our students understand how important this day is, it's a legacy day.”

He also said Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up and having hope in uncertain times.

The event began with remarks by Lita Little Giddins, associate vice president of belonging, who emphasized the history of the holiday and unity in Jesus Christ.

“Events like this that connects us to history, and this Office of Belonging, helps us to know that the gathering of Israel is ongoing and we're part of it,” Giddins said.

She also spoke on honoring and remembering the past, while embracing the present.

Afterward, attendees enjoyed food to celebrate the holiday, including red velvet cupcakes, macaroni and cheese and lemon cupcakes.

Attendees also had the opportunity to write a sticky note to the prompt: "What does celebrating and honoring Juneteenth inspire you to do?” The notes were then posted to a surrounding wall.

Many attendees expressed appreciation for the event.

“I think it was just a good message of belonging and showing that we support all people and love all people,” said Calianne Skinner, a psychology major. "We also realize that our past is not perfect, but (we are) trying to repent and make it better now."

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An attendee writes a response on a sticky note to the prompt, “What does celebrating and honoring Juneteenth inspire you to do?” The notes were then posted to the wall surrounding that prompt. (Christian Salazar)

Roberto Espino, a BYU senior from Mexico, spoke highly of Gibbon’s remarks.

“I loved her message, how she was talking about comparing it to the gospel and that there's nothing more important in this earth than the gathering of Israel,” he said.

Marina Lopez, an international student at BYU working in the Office of Belonging, shared her thoughts on cultural awareness during the holiday.

“That's what the Office of Belonging is for — Juneteenth and more,” Lopez said. “It's not only one culture. It's about every single culture and just being all one in Christ.”

Giddins said she was very grateful for the celebration and said it is an important event to bring the BYU community together.

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Attendees line up to eat the food offered at the BYU Office of Belonging Juneteenth celebration on June 18. Food included macaroni and cheese and red velvet cupcakes. (Christian Salazar)