Juneteenth
Let’s come together to honor Juneteenth and celebrate our shared journey towards freedom and equality
We are excited to invite you to a free public talk from Washington Humanities
The Vanguard Generation:
African-American Artists 1880-1918
presented by Daniel Atkinson
June 8, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Gaiser Student Center
Discover the remarkable first generation of African American artists and performers whose contributions helped shape popular culture. Active after the Civil War and before World War I, many of these artists were the first in their families to be born out of bondage or to attend college—overcoming tremendous hardship in defiance of Jim Crow laws.
Using newly discovered documents from the era, this talk reveals the talent, ingenuity, conflicts, and solidarity of the “Vanguard Generation.”
About Daniel Atkinson
Daniel E. Atkinson earned his PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Washington, where his research focused on Afro-American vernacular expression. He is the author of The Rediscovery of George Nash Walker: The Price of Black Stardom in Jim Crow America, a biography of the co-founder of the Williams and Walker, the first Black theatre company to succeed on Broadway. He currently works for the August Wilson Legacy Foundation.
Daniel lives in Tacoma.
More Information
Why June 8? We intentionally scheduled this event early in June to ensure it doesn’t conflict with other community celebrations, demonstrating our utmost respect for all commemorations happening around us.
Spread the Word: Save the date, share the news, and get ready to join us for a day of unity, reflection, and celebration. All Are Welcome! This celebration is open to the public.
For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to opc@clark.edu
Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact Human Resource Consultant, Melody Williams, at MWilliams@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.