Heidelberg University officially kicked off a series of Juneteenth community events with an official flag-raising on campus this afternoon.
The campus came together to observe the flag-raising ceremony, led by Aaron Nelson, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Heidelberg.
Dr. Nichole Griffin, Assistant Professor of Education, shared a prayer and explained that Juneteenth is so designated to observe the last group of enslaved people being informed of their freedom in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. Nichole asked those in attendance to “lift up our brothers and sisters.”
“And when we ask, ‘Who is our neighbor?’ we respond with ‘Whoever is near us in need,” Nichole said.
Aaron read an excerpt from the Emancipation Proclamation and encouraged everyone to “be better and do better in the true mindset of liberty and justice for all.” He led the group in the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” recognized as the Black national anthem since 1900.
Raising the flag along with Aaron were Nichole Griffin and Dr. Carole Thomas, Director of Career and Military Services.
Juneteenth community events
The Tiffin Seneca Juneteenth committee invites the community to a weekend of festivities to commemorate Juneteenth. There's a little something for almost every age.
In addition to the flag-raising, there will be a 5K walk/run downtown, on Saturday; a virtual museum display at the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library Saturday-Monday, June 15-17; and a culminating fish fry community meal on Juneteenth at 6 p.m. at 45 S. Washington St. Race registration is $20; all other events are free.