Texas Longhorns Lead with Legacy: A Soul-Stirring Juneteenth Celebration Blends Sports, History, and Humanity — Powerful Tribute Honors Black Excellence, Resilience, and the Ongoing Fight for Equality Across Generations On and Off the Field
AUSTIN, TX — June 19, 2025 | Under a bright Texas sky and amidst the echoing calls of “Hook ’Em,” the University of Texas Longhorns athletic department marked Juneteenth with a moving tribute that transcended sport, blending remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment to justice and equality.
While Juneteenth commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas, the Longhorns transformed the day into something more — a powerful platform that tied the historic weight of the moment to the lived experiences and voices of today’s student-athletes.
With this year’s theme, “Legacy in Motion: Remember, Reflect, Rise,” the University’s athletic program curated a day-long series of events, performances, and conversations, reinforcing the message that honoring the past also means standing firmly for a better future.
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A University United by Purpose and Pride
The morning began with a Unity Walk, led by Black student-athletes and coaches, weaving across the campus from the LBJ School of Public Affairs to the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Participants wore shirts emblazoned with “Free-ish Since 1865,” as they marched to the rhythm of spoken-word poetry and gospel melodies echoing from the speakers.
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte opened the day’s ceremonies with a stirring message:
> “Juneteenth is not just a day of celebration—it’s a day of truth. Today, we honor the generations of Black Americans whose stories were silenced and whose strength built this nation. Here at Texas, we don’t just develop athletes. We develop leaders who understand the power of legacy.”
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Student-Athletes Speak Their Truth
Perhaps the most impactful portion of the day came during the “Longhorn Voices for Change” panel, where current and former athletes spoke candidly about their experiences navigating college athletics as young Black men and women. Among them was Madison Booker (Women’s Basketball), who recently made headlines after her USA Basketball AmeriCup selection.
> “Juneteenth reminds me that my very presence here is a product of sacrifice,” Booker said. “It’s more than just a holiday—it’s a responsibility. A reminder that I carry the hopes of those who never got the chance to wear a jersey or walk across this campus freely.”
Former football standout Sam Acho also made a surprise appearance, bringing the crowd to its feet with an emotional reflection on identity, freedom, and responsibility.
> “We are the dreams of those who were never allowed to dream,” Acho said. “This program, this university—it has the power to do more than just win games. It can shape history.”
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Music, Art, and the Culture of Resistance
In between the words came art and performance—hip-hop and gospel performances, traditional African drumming, and spoken-word pieces curated by Texas’ Black Student-Athlete Alliance. The stadium’s massive video board displayed a visual montage titled “From Chains to Change,” chronicling the journey from slavery to civil rights to present-day Black achievement at the University of Texas.
Outside the arena, a Juneteenth cultural market featured local Black-owned businesses, food trucks serving soul food staples, and storytelling corners where athletes read books on Black history to children from Austin public schools.
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The Longhorn Legacy: Built on Justice and Inclusion
The celebration also acknowledged the progress made by the university itself. In recent years, Texas Athletics has taken major steps in promoting diversity and equity, including the establishment of the Longhorns for Justice initiative, mentorship programs for Black student-athletes, and partnerships with national racial justice organizations.
In an emotional moment, the program unveiled the “Wall of Impact” inside the stadium—an installation that features etched portraits and quotes from trailblazing Black Longhorns like Julius Whittier, the first Black football letterman at Texas, and Retha Swindell, who helped desegregate women’s athletics.
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Looking Ahead: From Commemoration to Action
While Juneteenth celebrations can be symbolic, Texas made it clear that this was not a performance—it was a promise. Coaches across every sport committed to incorporating diversity education into their offseason training. Incoming freshmen will now participate in “Legacy & Leadership” orientation seminars. And a new annual scholarship fund, the Freedom Forward Award, was announced to support first-generation Black college students pursuing careers in social justice, education, and community activism.
> “We’re not just remembering the past,” said Senior Associate AD for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LaToya Smith. “We’re investing in the future. That’s what Juneteenth means at Texas.”
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Final Thoughts
As the sun set on Darrell K Royal Stadium, lights bathed the field in a red, black, and green glow. The spirit of Juneteenth hung in the air—not just as a moment of remembrance, but as a living movement.
In honoring the pain and the progress of the past, the Texas Longhorns have once again shown that they are not just leaders in sport—but leaders in truth, in culture, and in the fight for a more just future.
Hook ’Em with heart. Hook ’Em for history. Hook ’Em for humanity.
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