Notre Dame Athletics Honors and Commemorates Juneteenth

SOUTH BEND, IN – On Monday, June 20th, student-athletes, coaches, staff across the department participated in a community event in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph’s County to honor and commemorate Juneteenth.

Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph’s County CEO Jacqueline Kronk spoke directly to the student-athletes present, encouraging them to look to the young ones around them. “To our student-athletes,” she addressed, “You are role models and walking examples of what is possible [for kids in this community].”

The event featured an opportunity to engage with members of the greater South Bend community —including hundreds of youth and several local non-profits— learning about ways to continue to advocate for and with those working to ensure equity and justice for all. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the day through art projects, a [cup]Cakewalk, a scavenger hunt, conversation and fellowship, while fostering relationships that would extend beyond the event.

Executive Associate Athletics Director, Culture & Engagement, JP Abercrumbie said of the day, “what an amazing opportunity to not only reflect and learn about the historical significance of Juneteenth nationally, this event also allowed for us a department, as a campus, to forge new beginnings locally, both individually and collectively, to continue to advance the experiences and dignity of every member of our community, especially those identifying as Black and/or of Pan-African descent.”

South Bend Mayor James Muller was among those in attendance and took the moment to speak about the work that still continues. “[We must] keep moving forward to make sure that everyone has opportunity.”