Clarion University will host its 12th annual Juneteenth celebration at 11 a.m. June 19 in Hart Chapel. It is free and open to the public. Dr. Francene Haymon, keynote speaker, will present “The Dream: 50 Years Later = 60 Years of Educational Equity?”
Dr. Francene Haymon, keynote speaker, will present "The Dream: 50 Years Later = 60 Years of Educational Equity?" Haymon is retired after 33 years at Slippery Rock University, where she was a professor in the counseling center. Among her many roles at SRU, she served as interim director of the Office of Minority Affairs. She was active in Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, from which she received the Outstanding Leadership Award. She also received the Woman of Distinction award from SRU President's Commission on Women.In addition to Haymon's talk, Juneteenth will feature poetry and special music. Those attending are invited to Eagle Commons for a complimentary lunch following the program.
Juneteenth began in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued Jan. 1, 1863, slaves in Texas didn't receive word until two-and-a-half years later, on June 19, 1865, that they were free. Clarion's Juneteenth is sponsored by: Clarion University, Clarion University African American Caucus, Clarion University NAACP Student Chapter and Clarion Chamber of Business and Industry.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.