FSU’s Civil Rights Institute Participates in Juneteenth Event in Anchorage, Alaska 

Director Ellis outside of the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center In Anchorage, Alaska. Photo taken by Jamesia
Director Ellis outside of the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center In Anchorage, Alaska. Photo taken by Jamesia

Florida State University’s Civil Rights Institute’s Director and Acting Chair of the 400 Years of African American History Commission (400YAAHC), Ted Ellis, attended Freedom Forward: Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska, from June 19 to June 24.  

Freedom Forward: Alaska was an event held by the 400YAAHC that centered around the education of African Americans’ historical and current contributions within the State of Alaska. This gathering provided a platform for African Americans to share their personal stories and discuss the opportunities and challenges they face in Alaska, including employment, home ownership, and social justice advocacy. 

“Visiting Alaska and learning about the unique contributions and experiences of African Americans here was both enlightening and inspiring,” Ellis said. “The stories shared by residents highlighted the resilience and determination of the community in the face of various challenges. This event truly emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating African American history and achievements in every corner of our nation.” 

The Commission attended a multitude of events to celebrate Juneteenth. They visited the Anchorage Museum to see the “Black in Alaska” exhibit, a multimedia project featuring interviews, photos, and short videos profiling 50 Black Alaskans to fulfill a need for more positive media by and for Black Alaskans. They also held “Alaska Forward,” a luncheon leading to another screening and panel of the film Kemba. Lastly, the Commission was invited to the Third Annual Wakanda Ball, an event that benefits deserving organizations and programs that benefit the African American community in Alaska. This year’s focuses were the African American Mobile Classroom, which educates Alaskan youth on the Civil Rights Movement, and Economic Empowerment Funding for black-owned businesses. 

On the trip to Anchorage, Alaska, many contributions from African American Alaskans were highlighted. The Alaska Railway, extending from Anchorage to the end of Turnagain Arm, is attributed to the hard work of African Americans who settled there for military service. Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery is where several notable African Americans are buried and honored for their service to civil rights. Some are listed below: 

  • Elgin Jones, founder of Kids Kitchen, an organization that provides free healthy meals for children 
  • Richard & Anna Watts, two of the founding members of the NAACP Anchorage Branch in 1951 
  • Johnnie Gay, an African American Alaskan pioneer and one of the original members of the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission 
  • Rev. Dr. William B. Lyons, Sr., former pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, community activist, and former member and chair of the Alaska Parole Board 
  • Rebecca Kinney, a community activist and a well-known hairstylist. At one time, the only hair stylist who was capable of doing hair for African American women in Alaska 

FSU’s Civil Rights Institute commemorates, celebrates, and studies the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to promote justice and equality for all.  

To learn more about the FSU’s Civil Rights Institute, visit coss.fsu.edu/cri. To learn more about the 400 Years of African American History Commission, visit www.400yaahc.gov