Muskingum News

Members of the campus community and the surrounding area joined together on Muskingum’s quad to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  Led by Danyelle Gregory, the University’s Director of Diversity, Access, and Inclusion, the gathering featured remarks from:

• President Sue Hasseler
• Provost Nancy Evangelista
• Mayor Jennifer Lyle, Village of New Concord 
• Dr. Allison Gunter, assistant professor of Education
• Daniel Vincent, chief of Police
• Rev. Julia Wright, chaplain for Student Affairs

Dr. Gunter shared a narrative written by Muskingum student Ragan Savage titled “Are We Really Free?” highlighting the current state of race relations in America and the significance of Juneteenth for African-Americans and our campus community.  A candle lighting ceremony was held in tribute to the lives of African Americans lost in recent violence.

President Hasseler closed the ceremony by reading a verse from the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Lift ev'ry voice and sing
'Til earth and heaven ring
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list'ning skies
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on 'til victory is won 

“Today’s community celebration of Juneteenth and remembrance of lives lost was an important campus moment,” said Danyelle Gregory. “Muskingum is committed to building an inclusive community and raising awareness on critically important social issues, and the actions of everyone involved are a great step forward in raising the conversation.”