As President of the SCSU Mediation Club, I had the incredible opportunity to lead our members in marching alongside Southern Connecticut State University at the vibrant Bridgeport's 32nd Annual Juneteenth Parade & Harambee Festival.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day news of slavery's abolition finally reached enslaved people in Texas, the last Confederate state to do so. It's a day filled with celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to racial equality.
For me, participating in the Juneteenth parade wasn't just about celebrating freedom. It was a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, and how the core values of mediation deeply connect to that fight.
Mediation, at its heart, is about creating a space for open communication and finding solutions that work for everyone involved. It empowers individuals to reach their own fair resolutions, which resonated strongly with the spirit of Juneteenth. It's a process that embodies the same pursuit of justice and perseverance that Juneteenth commemorates.
The SCSU Mediation Club's participation in the parade highlighted how fostering understanding is a crucial step in building a more just society. By promoting effective communication and peaceful conflict resolution, the club contributes to building a future that echoes the spirit of Juneteenth: a future where everyone has a voice and the power to find solutions that work for them.
