From the Nominator

"In June 2021, the University of Rochester’s Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement hosted their first university-wide Juneteenth Celebration, inclusive of a five-part event series and digital campaign throughout June. The series is offered with a suite of interactive programs led by Black Alumni Network volunteers to engage our Black alumni, students, faculty, and staff. 

One signature event in the series was designed for all members of the University of Rochester community. With the theme of We Are Black Excellence and the Evolution of Emancipation, programs celebrated Black excellence while also providing an educational forum around the commemorative Juneteenth traditions. Each program incorporated elements to meet varying interests, including a cooking experience, game night, dance party, and healing circle. The signature event, open to the university community, included a keynote conversation and musical premiere from notable alum Dr. Scot Brown ’89, a student performance, opening prayer, traditional permission to speak from elders, and was hosted by the university’s president. 

These collaborative events between staff and volunteers reached 896 constituents."

From the Judges

This program was very responsive to current events. Working on a tight timeline, this program leveraged existing networks and partnerships and infrastructure to provide a large suite of programming. As time goes on, this program has to potential to grow even further. It may be able to serve as a model for an institution looking to create programming around new or existing holidays or days/week/month of importance.