Author and Historian Alice Faye Duncan to Present Juneteenth-Themed Talks
Nazareth University hosts a Rochester visit for the author
Rochester, NY (06/04/2025) — As Nazareth University's centennial comes to a close, it reflects on its enduring commitment to social justice and the transformative power of education - a mission started by its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. Nazareth is celebrating the 2025 Juneteenth holiday by sponsoring a visit from award-winning author and historian Alice Faye Duncan. She will give five multi-generational author talks from June 17-19.
Duncan, an NAACP Image Award-nominated author, will present to area student groups at the Center for Teen Empowerment Rochester on June 17, and the Genesee Country Village and Museum and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester on June 18. Duncan will provide the students with an interactive story time and motivational speech that includes singing, movement, and reading two of her books, Opal Lee and The Dream Builder's Blueprint.
On June 19, she will present to adult audiences at the Genesee Valley Club and Nazareth University, exploring the similarities and social impact of her book's main characters, Opal Lee and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while she also reads from several of her books. Duncan's visit to Nazareth University is free and open to the public. It is Thursday, June 19, 6-7:30 p.m. in Nazareth's Shults Center Forum.
Duncan is a National Board Library media specialist who writes for young learners. Since 1995, she has written 14 picture books celebrated for vivid imagery and musical lyricism.
Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865, and the end of slavery in the United States. These presentations to hundreds of students from Rochester city and area suburban schools, and adults at The Genesee Valley Club and Nazareth University events, are intended to educate all on the historical and current-day importance of "Freedom Day" as the nation observes the Juneteenth national holiday, Thursday, June 19.
For more information:
Contact Darrell Bell, vice president of advancement, Nazareth University, dbell31@naz.edu, or
Stuart Mitchell, sjmitchell214@outlook.com.
Nazareth University
Julie Long, Chief Public Relations Officer | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (c) | jlong2@naz.eduShare this Story
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