Join Pitt in Recognition of Juneteenth

The University of Pittsburgh’s Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will mark Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, with two virtual events.  

Black Emancipation: A History of Celebration
June 15, 2021, noon-1:30 p.m.

This event will be a panel discussion with historians and activists on the history of Juneteenth and the different emancipation celebrations across the country and in Pittsburgh. Panelists include:

• Samuel W. Black, director of African American programs, Heinz History Center 
• Charlene Foggie-Barnett, the Teenie Harris Community Archivist, Carnegie Museum of Art, and vice president of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Pittsburgh
• Laurence Glasco, associate professor of history, University of Pittsburgh

Register for the event. 

From Swing Low to Strange Fruit: The Sounds of Liberation 
June 18, 2021, noon-1:30 p.m.

This virtual event will be a retrospective of the music of African American culture. From the laments of spirituals to songs of pride, protest and freedom, music has been a major means of communication in Black culture. Music has been the soundtrack for plans of escape from enslavement; the celebration of freedom; and for protests of discrimination, lynchings and police brutality. Featured acts will include gospel choirs, soloists and hip-hop artists. Aaron Johnson, assistant professor of music at the University of Pittsburgh, and James Johnson, cofounder of the Afro-American Music Institute, will host the event.

Register for the event.