Uhuru Rising – A Cultural Awakening

Uhuru Rising – A Cultural AwakeningThursday, June 19, 2025 4:00 PM EDT Barry University, Andreas 111

Barry University, in collaboration with South Florida People of Color, and other community partners proudly hosted Uhuru Rising: A Cultural Awakening, an immersive Juneteenth celebration that honored the legacy of liberation and ignited a vibrant cultural journey. The program brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members for an evening rooted in history, cultural expression, and shared learning.

Event Overview

The event opened with a screening of the award-winning documentary Before Juneteenth: Florida’s Emancipation, followed by a keynote presentation by historian Dr. Tameka Hobbs. Her remarks connected Emancipation Day, Juneteenth, Haitian history, and contemporary movements for justice, offering historical context and encouraging thoughtful reflection on liberation and collective responsibility.

Cultural Awakening

The celebration featured a range of cultural performances, including music by the Ultimate Steel Drum Band, dynamic dance presentations, and spoken word artistry. Visual artist Mecca “Grimo” facilitated a community art experience that invited participants of all ages to create pieces inspired by the theme Uhuru Rising, encouraging creative expression and intergenerational engagement.

Community Dialogue & Healing

Throughout the evening, participants engaged in facilitated dialogue, shared meals, and informal conversations that emphasized healing, connection, and community building. Guests also explored a gallery walk, participated in book giveaways and creative activities, and reflected on themes of freedom, heritage, and cultural memory. Together, these experiences reinforced Barry University’s commitment to mission-centered education, cultural literacy, and institutional belonging.

Soul Food, Art & Prizes

Guests enjoyed delicious soul food, explored a vibrant gallery walk, and took part in book giveaways, creative activities, and prize drawings, making it a celebration for all ages.

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Courtney Berrien, Director of the Adrian Dominican Institute for Mission and Leadership, welcomes guests to the Juneteenth celebration. 

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From left to right: Courtney Berrien, Director of the Adrian Dominican Institute for Mission and Leadership,  Dr. Pamella Hall, Professor of Psychology, Africana Studies and Roni Bennett, Executive Director, South Florida People of Color.

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Guest Speaker, Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Library Regional Manager for the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale offers historical context following the documentary screening. 

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Taylor Watkins, Talent Show First Runner-Up, attends the event with family members.  

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Community members explore selections from the Banned Book Library display.


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Participants respond to the reflection prompt, “What does liberation mean to you?”

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Visual artist Mecca “Grimo” guides youth participants during the community art activity.

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AI-generated content may be incorrect. Community partners engage in dialogue during the Juneteenth program.

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Julien Regala, President of the NAACP, Barry University chapter presents the land acknowledgement 

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AI-generated content may be incorrect. Participants raise books collected through the Banned Book Library initiative.

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Young attendees engage creatively during the facilitated art experience.

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Barry Honor student Jonae Davidson interacts with youth participants during the art activity.

Roni Bennett, Dr. Pamella Hall and Courtney Berrien share a moment of dialogue with attendees.

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Guests view the documentary together, reinforcing themes of history and collective memory.

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Dr. Tameka Hobbs speaks with community members following the screening.

A group of people sitting around a table

AI-generated content may be incorrect. Participants work on painting activities while engaging in conversation.

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Youth participants display artwork created during the program, showcasing creativity and self-expression. 

 

Contact: For more information, please reach out to the Office of Mission Integration and Institutional Belonging at Cberrien@barry.edu. 

 

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