By Tashi McQueen
Ahead of Juneteenth, the AFRO will honor Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) at its third annual Juneteenth Breakfast, recognizing their vital role in advancing education and the state’s economy.
The breakfast will take place from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on June 18 at the Center Club. The theme this year is “Rooted in Freedom, Rising Through Education.”
This year’s honorees include Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the state’s HBCUs, along with the University of Baltimore.
“Thank you to the AFRO for recognizing and continuing to celebrate the contributions of HBCUs to the nation’s educational landscape,” said Heidi M. Anderson, president of UMES. “UMES is committed to academic excellence and ensuring that students who want a quality education have the support and foundation they need to succeed in the future. We are proud of the work we do–particularly in science, technology, engineering and math fields–preparing young men and women to achieve both personal and professional success.”
According to the United Negro College Fund’s 2024 report, Maryland’s four public HBCUs generate an economic impact of $1.2 billion annually. UMES alone contributes $351.3 million in total economic impact to the state’s local economy.
The University of Baltimore was also recognized for its service to would-be and current working professionals.
“For the past 100 years we have been not only the University of Baltimore but also the University for Baltimore,” said Kurt Schmoke, president of the University of Baltimore. “We are proud to be recognized by the AFRO, along with the state’s outstanding HBCUs, for our role in nurturing community leaders.”
Sponsors include Coppin State, UMES, Associated Black Charities, Security plus Federal Credit Union, Wylie Funeral Homes, Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved persons were free—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by then-President Abraham Lincoln.
Former President Joe Biden signed Juneteenth into law as a federal holiday in 2021. Since 2023, the AFRO has hosted an annual Juneteenth Breakfast to commemorate this joyous and history-filled holiday, celebrate Black freedom and honor those continuing to pave the way for African Americans.
“The AFRO has always celebrated those on the battlefield and been an advocate for justice, no matter how long it takes,” said Diane Hocker, AFRO director of community and public relations, who organized the event.