Full Sail Stories

The sun shone brightly on Full Sail University’s Backlot as the Black Student Union and Student Community Association held a Juneteenth Freedom Fest to commemorate the holiday on June 19.

Decorated with colorful African wax prints and Juneteenth banners, the event gave attendees the chance to experience many facets of Black culture through live musical performances, barbecue, dancing, Black history and culture trivia, a networking meet-and-greet, and a panel discussion centered on Juneteenth.

A stage filled the center of the Backlot where various Black artists performed and a live DJ amped up the energy. Students also had fun playing giant Connect 4 and cornhole. Various clubs such as 3300+ Climbing, PRIDE, the Veteran Student Union, and more set up booths offering attendees the chance to join their causes and be an active part of the Full Sail community.

In addition, the Juneteenth celebration included a panel discussion held in the auditorium featuring Black educators, creatives, and experts in music, film, and history. The conversation was moderated by Media Communications Course Director Sankaya Hall and explored what freedom means in today’s world, as well as the topics of ancestral wisdom, Afrofuturism, creativity, and art—all while emphasizing Black excellence and its power. Following the panel discussion, students had the opportunity to talk and network with the panelists and fellow attendees.

“The students enjoyed the event and learned some interesting facts about American history,” said Terry Clark, the Co-Advisor of the Black Student Union. “[Our Juneteenth celebration] offered additional insight to help students understand the events that have shaped our current-day America and the sacrifices that were made to get us to where we are today.”