Western Illinois University Multicultural Center Highlighting Two National Celebrations
MACOMB, IL — The Multicultural Center (MCC) at Western Illinois University is highlighting two June national celebrations – the African-American community focused Juneteenth (Friday, June 19) and LGBT*QA community-focused Pride Month.
Although the celebrations tend to give focus to a particular community, these are American celebrations by the diverse communities that comprise our nation.
The MCC will host a virtual recognition of the commemorations on its webpage to bring additional light to the African American and the LGBT*QA tradition and celebration.
“We invite you to learn more about your fellow citizens and the struggles, obstacles and injustices that have been and continue to experience, as well as join in the celebrations of the progress that has been made. Together we can move forward,” said MCC Program Coordinator Carl Ervin.
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865 in Texas. The commemoration has spread across the country and, in 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday.
More than 150 U.S. cities will have Juneteenth celebrations this year.
To watch the MCC’s commemoration, visit wiu.edu/student_services/gwendolyn_brooks_cultural_center.
