June 17, 2025

Juneteenth celebration Ferris State
Ferris State University will be hosting Juneteenth activities on Thursday, June 19.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — 

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.