Bentley University celebrates fourth annual Juneteenth celebration

Bentley University hosted its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Tuesday, bringing together faculty, staff, alumni and students to honor Black history and culture with a day of music, food and reflection. 

The event, which took place on campus despite the quieter summer season, was coordinated by the Juneteenth Planning Committee, composed of representatives from student affairs, academic affairs, Sodexo dining services and other campus offices. The event was funded by the Office of the Provost.

Planning for the celebration began in the spring semester according to Otis Johnson, who led this year’s planning committee. 

“We’re gonna make sure it gets as much recognition as it possibly can. People are very passionate about it, especially for this year, given everything that’s happening in the world. Folks very much just want to have a little joy,” said Johnson.

This year’s theme focused on joy. The celebration featured a DJ, performances and several Black-owned vendors from the area selling handcrafted jewelry, artwork and traditional foods. The event was open to the Bentley community and their guests.

Renande Loayza, academic coordinator and event coordinator, described the planning experience as collaborative and inspiring. “Otis was a great leader. Everyone on the committee took ownership of their part, and we pulled everything together. I think it came out beautifully.”

Loayza, who also launched a Juneteenth celebration in Newton in 2021, noted the importance of the holiday for her personally. “As a Haitian woman, I started Juneteenth in Newton to honor Black American history — a history that often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves.”

The Bentley celebration also featured speeches from alumni and faculty. Vaughn Williams, director of athletics, returned for a second year as master of ceremonies. 

“I’ve known about Juneteenth since I was young,” said Williams. “My dad is from the Virgin Islands, where they celebrate Emancipation Day on July 3. So this means a lot to me personally. Today’s event really symbolizes what Bentley is about: an inclusive community that learns from history and works toward progress.”

While the university’s student population on campus is limited during the summer, outreach efforts ensured some student engagement. Bentley also streamed a virtual program to broaden participation.

“We know turnout might be lower after the school year ends, but this event is for everyone in the community: staff, alumni and students,” Otis said. “It’s about honoring Juneteenth and keeping that legacy alive.”

For Loayza, the inclusion of local Black vendors was a key part of the day. “Economic opportunity is part of liberation,” she said. “I made sure all our vendors were Black-owned — from Haiti, Senegal and the local area — and seeing my colleagues support them was powerful.”

Bentley’s Juneteenth celebration, growing in scope each year, reflects a broader institutional commitment to diversity and community engagement.

“This isn’t just a holiday now,” said Williams. “It’s part of who we are. And it’s not the end — it’s a continuing story.”