The Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity was proud to be a part of the Juneteenth parade and Community Fun and Fellowship event at Douglass Park on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Columbia.

Maurice Gipson, vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, represented the University of Missouri as a grand marshal in the parade alongside Ric Ransom, chief executive officer of MU Health Care. The parade featured many community organizations and dance groups.

The event at Douglass Park, coordinated by the Rev. James Gray, included music, karaoke, free food, games and activities. MU campus leaders, students, staff and community members attended the event.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its origin in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States.

Vice Chancellor Maurice Gipson (far left) and MU Health Care CEO Ric Ransom (far right) pose with City of Columbia leaders, community members and volunteers at the Juneteenth parade.

Community members attend the Juneteenth parade.

Members of Phi Beta Sigma attend the Juneteenth parade.

Members of Zeta Phi Beta greet attendees at the Juneteenth parade.

Family participates in the Juneteenth parade.

Honorary Grand Marshal and Associate Teaching Professor Daryl Smith and his wife, Natalie Downer, director of the McNair Scholars Program and Strategic STEM Initiatives, attend the Juneteenth parade.

Couple participates in the Juneteenth parade.

Vice Chancellor Maurice Gipson visits the REDI table at Douglass Park.

Mizzou Athletics and the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity staff greet visitors at Community Fun and Fellowship event at Douglass Park.

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe honors Juneteenth declaring June 17, 2023, Juneteenth Celebration Day.

Photos by Morgan Jackson & La Toya Stevens.