As the University of Utah observed the country’s newest national holiday, Juneteenth, some prominent campus voices are calling for more community ownership of our shared history.

Since 2021, June 19 has been recognized as a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on that date in 1865. Each year, the U hosts an educational event to honor the collective history and relevance of the holiday to all peoples.

Speaking at the Juneteenth program hosted at the J.W. Marriott Library, LeiLoni Allan-McLaughlin, director of the Center for Community & Cultural Engagement (CCE), said she wants people in the U community and beyond to understand that Juneteenth is actually for everybody.

“I hope folks are able to see the contributions Black people have made to America, the beauty we bring to America, the culture, the history, the knowledge, the music and the joy,” she said. “What I really want everyone to take away is that it is a holiday for everyone, and to pay homage to our Black community and everything that we’ve done for this country.”

Allan-McLaughlin, who is of Samoan and African American descent, was adopted and raised in a white family from Southern Utah.

“I’m a trans-racial adoptee. Me and my younger sister (also adopted) are both black. It’s really important for white people to also see the beauty of Juneteenth in our history, but also in our struggle,” she said. “Our struggle happened side by side with their prosperity. It’s important to acknowledge that we all play a role in getting towards equity and a more accepting society.”

The event was a panel discussion organized by Emma E. Houston, AVP for Community Engagement, in collaboration with CCE and the Marriott Library. Among the panelists was Dr. William Smith, distinguished professor and chief executive administrator for Strategic Initiatives and Mental Health Justice at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. He told the audience to take the opportunity to become informed about Juneteenth and the significance it plays in the country moving forward.

“There are books out there, there’s information online, though you have to get credible information that you know is just not propaganda, and also go to events like this,” he said. “Sit in the audience. Listen, learn, ask questions and talk to people afterwards.”

“Reading is the most important thing that people can do, and have discussions,” Smith added. “Find things that you didn’t know before, then share that information with other people.”

Another panelist, Cynthia Harris, a mezzo-soprano and master’s degree student studying music, music performance and voice, implored attendees to take an active role in educating those around them who may help.

“If you’re really an ally, when you hear or see something that you know is not right, say something right then,” she said. “Don’t wait, don’t be like, ‘Oh, it’s not my place because I’m not part of that (racial group).’ It’s everybody’s place, just like we said during the panel discussion. Juneteenth is not just Black history. It’s American history. It’s everybody’s history.”