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Tuskegee University unites with City for Juneteenth Celebration
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Tuskegee University unites with City for Juneteenth Celebration
Thonnia Lee20 June 2026
1 minute read
Dr. Rachanice Tate speaking during Juneteenth celebration.
Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Strategic Communications
Booker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee quickly turned a Juneteenth celebration threatened by rain into a haven for a day of activities with the theme: Juneteenth Brings Balance to America’s Celebration of Freedom.
Tuskegee University faculty, staff and students filed in to attend and participate. Dr. Rolundus Rice, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Student Affairs, offered a welcome on behalf of the university and Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO. While Dr. Rachanice Candy Tate, curator and co-director of the Legacy Museum and adjunct professor of Fine and Performing Arts, served as the keynote speaker. University Trustee Carla Whitlock was also present.
“We renew our vow to torch bearers today,” Dr. Rice said, after calling the names of Sammie Young Jr., Dr. Charles G. Gomillion, Fred Gray, former Mayor Johnny Ford and others. “Thank you for your partnership, City of Tuskegee, and everyone who has worked to bring together our town and gown relationship, because when we are one force, there is nothing that can pull us apart.”
Dr. Rice joined Mayor Chris Lee, Macon County Commission Chair Louis Maxwell and others in encouraging continued focus on empowerment and collaboration.
Dr. Tate used the refrain “Remember the past to understand the present to change the future.” She blended the history of the area with a call to focus on opportunities for the community to increase tourism as a bridge to build the economic viability of the area.
“Cultural tourism is our biggest industry,” she said. “Hundreds of thousands of people come to our county annually. Let’s work to bring real estate, restaurants, hotels, museums and walkable sidewalks to the area.”
Former City Councilwoman Norma Jackson, who served as emcee, highlighted the vendors stationed in the gymnasium to sell items, the NAACP present to register voters, the Tuskegee University Extension team, the American Red Cross and StoryCorps, a nonprofit onsite to document history from the residents. The celebration continued Saturday at the Legacy Lodge on Old Columbus Road.
Booker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee quickly turned a Juneteenth celebration threatened by rain into a haven for a day of activities with the theme: Juneteenth Brings Balance to America’s Celebration of Freedom.
Dr. Rice joined Mayor Chris Lee, Macon County Commission Chair Louis Maxwell and others in encouraging continued focus on empowerment and collaboration.
