Full Sail Stories

The Black Student Union recently hosted a lively celebration in honor of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The BSU's event was sponsored by the Student Community Association and hosted on the Full Sail University campus.

“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Juneteenth is a reminder that we are all a part of something greater than ourselves,’” says Student Community Activities Manager Kincie Farnell. “Everyone plays a part in bringing integrity, empowerment, and diversity. And that’s what it’s about today.”

The four-hour event featured showcases from a variety of clubs, including the Veteran Student Union, Loud Ladies, and the International Student Society. Attendees were served pizza as they watched their fellow students take the stage to perform covers of classic hits or play homemade mixtapes. Between sets, the crowd gathered together for a dance-off, soundtracked by SCA DJ Malcolm, who kept the event lively with a combination of old and new hits. The BSU also quizzed the audience in a fun but educational round of trivia, during which students could win Full Sail swag or homemade journals designed by a local artist.

Local speakers from the Orlando area also took to the stage to impart their wisdom to the community, including Souljah Bless, co-founder of Conscious Mind Records, and DJ Niecy D, mix DJ at Orlando’s STAR 94.5, who addressed professionalism, networking, and the diverse audiences she’s encountered throughout her 30-year career. They both shared the importance and magnitude of the long-awaited holiday, recognizing the enduring spirit of the African American community and the necessary progress we can hope to look forward to in the future.