Two days of joy, smiles, thought-provoking ideas and a sense of unity prevailed during "Let Freedom Ring: Breaking Chains and Elevating to New Heights," the California State University biennial Juneteenth Symposium hosted in partnership with Sacramento State at their campus on June 13-14.

Stan State students, faculty, staff and alumni attend the biennial CSU Juneteenth Symposium.

More than 20 Stan State students, faculty and staff were among the audience of more than 700 at the event dedicated to celebrating and recognizing African American history and achievement while promoting and sustaining the anti-racism work underway across CSU's 23 campuses.

The vibrant convening featured world-class speakers, evocative performances and thought-provoking panel discussions to inspire connection, innovation and the continued pursuit of a just and equitable world.

Stan State students, faculty, staff and alumni with CSU Trustee Wenda Fong

Stan State history major Alana Pitts called it "extraordinarily eye-opening."

"The two days I was there I felt a different kind of energy in the room - it was electrifying and truly a blessing. I made many new connections and learned things about our Black community."

The symposium wasn't just for Black members of the CSU family. The symposium was open to all and attracted a rainbow coalition, including Black faculty, staff and students and allies of various backgrounds.

Stan State Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Sacha Joseph-Mathews

"I learned that even though the people who were at the conference had come from different backgrounds and places in this world, we were all united in our unique life experiences, love for Black culture and passion in pursuit of higher knowledge," Pitts said.

Inspiration came in the form of remarks from keynote speakers Nikole Hannah-Jones, Howard University professor and the journalist behind "The 1619 Project," and Massachusetts-based Ibram X. Kendi, author of "How to Be an Anitracist" and "Stamped from the Beginning." It also came from sources closer to home for some.

"I found Stan State Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Sacha Joseph-Mathews' breakout session, "Intersection Identities: Navigating Neurodiversity Through a Black Lens," to be the most inspiring," Pitts said. "It was a very inspirational session, because she talked about the fact that neurodiversity can oftentimes be seen as taboo and is not talked about enough within the Black community."

"The three things I would want people to know are that first you are seen and heard by people from all different walks of life. Second is that sometimes we have to go through uncomfortable situations in order to reach our highest potential. Third is that you are capable of doing anything as long as you are willing to put in the work."

- Alana Pitts, Stan State History Major

As an example, ADHD may be considered normal for a white person, but for a Black neurodivergent person, it may be viewed as dangerous or unstable.

(Pictured left to right) Marvin Williams, Alana Pitts, Juanita Cruthird

Pitts said she would like to see the ideas and conversations from the symposium continue within her community.

One example of this is the Barber Shop Talks hosted by The Male Success Initiative at Stanislaus State, but Pitts sees a need for broader discussions.

"I think it is extremely important that we continue to break the generational curses of not expressing ourselves or sharing our concerns about how we go about life and our turmoil," she said. "I think it is also important to be open to uncomfortable conversations that can progress our Black community and our entire Stan State community."

Stan State students, faculty and staff attend a breakout session during the biennial CSU Juneteenth Symposium.

The Stan State community was well represented with many who can keep the conversation going. Among those attending were MSI Coordinator Sergio Cuellar, Black Student Union Advisor Marvin Williams, Professor of Ethnic Studies Mary Roaf, Executive Director of the Academic Success Center Gabriela Nuno and Warriors on the Way Lead Admissions Counselor Joy Vickers from the Stockton Campus.

Pitts was one of seven students to attend, and she said she hopes for others to gain from the lessons she took away from the experience.

"I would want people to know that you are seen and heard by people from all different walks of life," Pitts said. "Secondly, no matter what is thrown at you in the present, you have to remind yourself of where you were in the past, and that will motivate you to keep pushing for the 'impossible.'"

Finally, Pitts said, the symposium reaffirmed "you are capable of doing anything as long as you are willing to put in the work and be your own No. 1 supporter in a sea of haters."

Sacramento State hosted this year's CSU Juneteenth Symposium June 13-14 at the downtown SAFE Convention Center. The event honoring the annual celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, which is observed on June 19, featured speakers, panel discussions and more. (Sacramento State/Andrea Price)

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.