June 17, 2025

Ferris State Juneteenth celebration includes June 19 screening of documentary and discussion

Celebrating Juneteenth, Ferris State University’s Office of Multicultural Student Services is hosting a documentary and discussion event.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S. celebrating the emancipation of African Americans enslaved in the United States. The holiday is celebrated annually on June 19. Juneteenth, which combines the words “June” and “nineteenth,” became an official federal holiday in 2021.

This summer, the documentary, Juneteenth: The Long Road to Freedom, and discussion will be hosted by Kavaris Sims, a Ferris State associate dean of Student Life, in room 116 of the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive in Big Rapids, beginning at 1 p.m.

The documentary was produced and directed by Mark St. George of WSIU Public Broadcasting of Southern Illinois University and distributed by American Public Television.

Christopher Sanders, director of the OMSS, sees this event as an educational opportunity for community members to come together while learning more about Juneteenth.

“Until recently many people were unaware of the holiday, but Juneteenth is a story of resilience and a celebration of freedom,” Sanders said. “It is a great opportunity to learn about the history of our country and a reminder that we still have work to do. We invite everyone to come learn and celebrate with us.”

The Juneteenth: The Long Road to Freedom documentary examines the history of Juneteenth and the journey of enslaved Americans to freedom. It also notes the challenges the enslaved Americans faced.  

“It also talks about the climate of our country and how Juneteenth is able to inspire hope,” Sanders said.

Refreshments will be served at the event.