Juneteenth
Let’s come together to honor Juneteenth and celebrate our shared journey towards freedom and equality
We are excited to invite you to the
Annual Clark College Juneteenth Celebration.
June 9, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Gaiser Student Center
All Are Welcome! This celebration is open to the public.
Event Highlights
Indulge in Soulful Flavors: Chef Earl has prepared a delectable feast of soul food that will be provided (until it runs out). Head to the line in the McClaskey Culinary Institute in Gaiser Hall to be served, and then make your way to the Gaiser Student Center for the main event.
Music from vocalist MarcusAntonio: Experience the power of MarcusAntonio live—where his rich vocals and soulful interpretation of Negro Spirituals celebrate Black resilience, history, and pride in a performance that will educate, inspire, and move you.
Captivating Poetry Reading: Join us for an inspiring reading by Sylvia Welch from her book of poetry. Through her powerful prose, Sylvia will connect us all to the significance of Juneteenth and its relevance today.
About MarcusAntonio
MarcusAntonio hails from a family steeped in tradition—ministers, storytellers, musicians,
and vocalists. Though surrounded by talented instrumentalists, he found his true calling
as a vocalist. His journey led him to Albany State University, an HBCU, where he was
admitted through a presidential selection recognizing his vocal talent. There, he
became the first in his family to receive formal vocal training, studying under Dr.
Leroy Bynum and Dr. Deanna Weber with a concentration in Classical Technique.
Inspired by Georgia’s Civil Rights legacy, MarcusAntonio focused on Negro Spirituals—music that speaks to resilience, identity, and hope. He draws from icons like Jessye Norman and William Warfield, and his repertoire includes works by Burleigh, Hogan, and Moore. Signature pieces include Go Down, Moses and I Dream a World. At ASU, he performed with the Jazz Band, Theater Troupe, and Advanced Choral Ensemble, and is a proud charter member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s Rho Delta Chapter.
About Sylvia Welch
Sylvia Welch lives in Woodland, Washington and is a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother,
great-grand mother, a world traveler, adventurer, a fabric artist, and last but hardly
least, an author.
She retired after working for 35 years as an Education Administrator at Warner Pacific University, Portland Community College, and in Germany for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Sylvia earned her undergraduate Degree from Ohio University in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications and her Master’s Degree from Portland State University in Communications with an emphasis on Intercultural Communications.
She began writing poetry at the age of 73 and published her first book at the age of 75 and is working on her next poetry book. Sylvia grew up in the 50s, during a time of obvious racial inequities and attended college in the middle 60s when racial, social, and political injustices were prevalent and the times were only slightly better for most African Americans.
Those times produced lessons and experiences that have led to emotions, feelings, and actions that have helped her age into understanding. Her hope is to continue to do so because she has learned that understanding, like the light of day and darkness, doesn’t come all at once.
More Information
Why June 9? 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.
For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to diversity@clark.edu.
If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 Email: hr@clark.edu