Fresno Pacific University and The African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley kicked off Juneteenth celebrations on the main campus Friday, June 18.
About 75 guests enjoyed music, food, entertainment and prayer from 6:00-8:30 p.m. on the Campus Green. The guest emcee was alumna/adjunct faculty Rici Skei, co-pastor of On Ramps Covenant Church, Fresno, and leader of Rici Skei Ministries. Attendees included FPU President Joseph Jones, Ph.D., and First Lady Yvette Jones, local pastors and Brian Davis, campus chaplain, who led the closing prayer. The Libota Mbonda Fresno African Drumming Group (pictured) performed and guests were then invited to join a drum circle. DJ SpeedMatic Entertainment provided more music, and vendors from local black-owned businesses set up booths. Hot Dog on a Stick was the food sponsor. The event was organized by FPU’s Intercultural Learning Center and the Office of Spiritual Formation.
Juneteenth events around the theme “Celebrating Black Excellence” continue virtually through July 10 at aahcmsjv.com/ or myonmetv.com with a free series of arts and cultural programs hosted by The African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley and co-sponsored by various organizations including FPU.