This Week in Photos: Freedom and Pride

A group of students standing several feet apart in the middle of a small stage that’s surrounded by an attentive audience serves as inspiration for this week’s photo series.

Light in the Tunnel: Reflections of Freedom was presented at the Irene and Alan Wurtzel Theater in celebration of Juneteenth. Through Black art, this live and virtual festival told a story of promise for the future while reflecting on the past. Organizers of the event stated that they hoped the program demonstrated to the Oberlin community and beyond that the bright spirit of Black people, though battered, cannot be broken. A parade, performances, virtual readings, community festival, and free trolley rides to a neighboring Blues Fest were just some of the other festivities that also celebrated Juneteenth.

June is also Pride Month, and was recognized on campus through several events, including an all-inclusive Pride Prom, made possible by the Program Board x Drag Ball x and the Black Queer Collective. A Pride Month 5K encouraged in person or virtual participation. All proceeds from the 5k were donated to The Trevor Project, a national organization that provides crisis intervention to LGBTQ+ youth.

We pick up this week’s photo tour by joining the Pride Month 5K as a group of students wind their way through Tappan Square. While in Tappan we visit the Juneteenth parade before heading over to Dye Lecture Hall to hear author and columnist Deesha Philyaw. A TGIF Taiko performance in the ’Sco and a quick change for Pride Prom ends our tour.

This Week in Photos is a selection of images and is not meant to represent a weekly timeline. Images highlight campus, community, people, and events related to Oberlin College.