by Deborah Walker

This year on Juneteenth, Dr. Homer Crockett, Dean of Liberal Arts and Humanities and Professor Nailah McDowell will represent Livingstone College as featured speakers at the Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Greensboro.  Hosted by the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party, this celebration will take place at 3 p.m. at the Greensboro Democratic Headquarters.

The event theme, “Freedom Forward: Honoring the Past, Fighting for the Future”, speaks to the mission Crockett sees embodied at Livingstone College.“In our current political climate, we must rely on our DNA to get through this,” says Crockett. “Livingstone was born right after the Civil War and if we can get through that we can get through anything.”

Founded by Black ministers in 1879 to educate newly emancipated slaves, the college embodied the spirit of that hard-won independence, providing access, dignity, and opportunity.

“Juneteenth offers more than just a celebration,” says senior liberal arts major Mia Mason, “it’s a living glimpse into the pride, love, resilience and rich history of Black people. As a student at Livingstone, which was founded in the spirit of freedom and fortitude, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of why our existence, our education, and excellence matters. It reaffirms the legacy we inherit and the future we are building – one rooted in liberation, purpose, and enduring strength.”

Crockett plans to draw from Livingstone’s rich history to reflect on how institutions like it become pillars of Black excellence and progress.

“Livingstone College was born out of the Civil War—like a phoenix rising from the ashes,” says Crockett. “(Dr. Joseph) Charles Price and so many other leaders took it upon themselves to create something for us, since they were in the community and saw so much potential that wasn’t even realized. It’s kind of like a celebration that wasn’t realized—like Juneteenth—where the slaves who didn’t know they were free became a force unto themselves. It’s great that we have the capacity to continue making our ancestors proud. Livingstone is an example of the success of Juneteenth. We are proud to continue the legacy of Dr. Price in education—educating future generations.”

This year’s Juneteenth celebration will feature Pam Burgess, the first Black Councilwoman in Jamestown, N.C. and the Youth President of the Guilford Democratic Party. Together, these speakers represent a cross generational commitment to freedom, justice, and forward momentum.

That same commitment will be seen in Salisbury, where Livingstone College will be a highlight of the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP’s “Trolley Tours of African American Landmarks.” Dr. Da’Tarvia Parrish, Gregory Hill, and Deborah Johnson will lead tourists through campus sites, including the iconic Andrew Carnegie Library. Visitors can browse archive collections and understand how Livingstone’s foundation, mission, and activism influenced the civil rights movement.

By opening its doors to the community, Livingstone continues to educate—not just students, but the public—about a legacy rooted in resistance, resilience, and progress.