Pathology Celebrates Juneteenth with Third-Annual Equality Walk

By Camren Clouthier | June 23 2022

This year marked the third-annual Equality Walk for Juneteenth. With over 80 participants including faculty, staff, trainees, and medical students from the Department of Pathology, the event was a big success.

On Friday, June 17, 2022 the Equality Walk kicked off outside of Building 36 at the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), where participants gathered to receive their complimentary t-shirts and bottled water. Remarks pertaining to Juneteenth from organizers Jenna Koelsch and Dr. David Gordon help set the tone for the afternoon. Shortly after, the walk commenced. Those in attendance marched around the exterior of NCRC, stopping to kneel in honor of the legacy of George Floyd. The walk eventually concluded with a group photo and a thank you for everyone who came out.

"Just over two years ago, the death of George Floyd sparked unrest in communities across the world," said Koelsch. "People from all backgrounds and races marched in unison against racism and police brutality. In 2020, the first-annual Equality Walk was an opportunity for our Department to march in unison against racism and police brutality, and this year’s third-annual Equality Walk carried on that legacy."

"It is heartening to see so many from our Department take time out of their busy day to stand against racial discrimination," noted Dr. Angela Wu, who serves as co-chair of the Pathology Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) and attended the walk.

This year, Pathology also raised nearly $1,000 for Growing Hope, an Ypsilanti-based organization, whose anti-racist mission focuses on increasing access to fresh foods for communities of color that are disproportionately affected by food insecurity.

"To know that this event continues year after year, with more and more folks showing up to support, really exemplifies the kind of inclusive culture our Department is working to create," Koelsch concluded. "I’m really proud of this event, and I’m so proud of our staff and faculty who continue to show up for one another and for their community."

The Department of Pathology wishes to thank Underground Printing for producing this year's Equality Walk t-shirts.