Juneteenth: UAFS BSA Shares Significance and Pride

Written By: Ian Silvester

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, freeing enslaved people in the Confederate States. More than two years later, the news finally reached the ears of those enslaved in Galveston, Texas, thanks to Gordon Granger, a Union general, and 6,000 black soldiers. 

They arrived on June 19, 1865. Today, that day is celebrated as Juneteenth. 

More than a century and a half later, students at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith are sharing what the holiday means to them and how the cultural significance of Juneteenth can be celebrated year-round. 

“(Juneteenth) is important because it shows where you came from, and I feel like it gives you the determination to keep going,” said Jayden Robinson, senior media communication student. 

Jayden, who was most recently the president of UAFS’ Black Student Alliance, recalled hearing stories from his grandparents and other family members about segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. These stories, he said, are among the reasons he wants to pursue change. 

“Their stories give me the motivation to keep going. That’s why I do what I do on campus and try to make things as inclusive as I can and bring everyone together and not divide us,” Jayden said. 

As president of BSA, Jayden fostered the student organization’s mission to be a place for all while celebrating Black culture. Under his direction, BSA expanded its footprint on campus and has shared music, food, and the freedom of expression traditionally associated with Juneteenth through events like kickbacks and Roots & Runways. Through events like these, Jayden said, BSA and UAFS as a whole are able to keep the meaning of Juneteenth alive throughout the academic year. 

“I feel like people are more willing to listen to you if it’s more on a personal level rather than just me saying, ‘It’s important because slaves were freed.’  It’s now, ‘It’s important to me because this is what my grandma or aunties and uncles had to go through,’” he said. “I feel like every year, more and more people become aware of what Juneteenth is.” 

Jayden said BSA plans to post on the holiday to remind their audience of its significance and what it means to Black students like him. Whether it’s the food being made or the music being listened to, Jayden said there are different ways the holiday can connect with people, but it’s just important to celebrate and remember. 

In the fall, BSA will pick back up where it left off with more events and meetings for all students. 

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• Juneteenth
• Black Student Alliance