The Texas Longhorns commemorated Juneteenth with a tribute that transcended the boundaries of sport, spotlighting a legacy of resilience, equality, and empowerment that continues to shape lives on and off the field. In a moving ceremony that blended history, culture, and community, the University of Texas athletic program reminded fans and athletes alike that the fight for justice doesn’t end at the sidelines—it’s an ongoing mission embedded in the very fabric of the Longhorn identity.
Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation—holds profound meaning not just for the state, but for the nation. The Longhorns recognized this history with a poignant series of events that included a campus march, the unveiling of commemorative artwork, and powerful words from current and former student-athletes who shared personal reflections on what the day represents. The program’s tribute was not simply a ceremonial nod to the past; it was a call to action, an embodiment of purpose, and a reaffirmation of the values that define Texas athletics.
Current football players, draped in black and burnt orange shirts reading “More Than a Game,” stood alongside athletes from basketball, softball, track, and beyond, linking arms in a unified show of strength and solidarity. At the center of the celebration was a profound sense of remembrance—not just of slavery’s end, but of the sacrifices and courage that paved the way for generations of student-athletes who once weren’t even allowed on the field. Speakers reminded the crowd that the Longhorns once lagged behind in integration, with Julius Whittier becoming the first Black player to letter in football at Texas in 1970. It wasn’t just a historical footnote—it was a wake-up call. The event acknowledged that progress has come, but the journey remains far from over.
In recent years, Texas Athletics has taken a more proactive stance on social justice and racial equity, launching initiatives such as the “LEAD” (Longhorns for Equity, Access, and Diversity) program and committing resources to elevate underrepresented voices. This year’s Juneteenth celebration amplified that mission, reminding the community that equality must be championed consistently—not just in moments of crisis or reflection, but as a daily practice. For athletes like wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who spoke candidly about growing up learning about systemic inequality and now using his platform to spark change, the event was both personal and inspiring.
“Juneteenth isn’t just about freedom—it’s about what we do with that freedom,” Worthy said. “We have a responsibility to honor those who fought before us by continuing to push for justice, both in our communities and in ourselves.”
The tribute also featured the unveiling of a striking mural near the South End Zone of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Painted by a local Black artist and former UT graduate, the mural depicts scenes from Texas’ past, present, and future—images of emancipation, protest, athletic triumph, and communal healing. A central figure in the painting is Whittier, wearing his No. 67 jersey, gazing forward into the horizon. Around him, younger athletes of all genders and backgrounds sprint forward—metaphors of progress, endurance, and hope.
That hope was on full display as the athletic department hosted a roundtable discussion with past Longhorn legends, including former NFL linebacker Derrick Johnson and WNBA star Imani McGee-Stafford. Their reflections on navigating racial dynamics during their time on campus stirred both pride and introspection. Johnson, a Texas football standout in the early 2000s, spoke of how representation—seeing more players and coaches of color—was critical to his growth, but also how the conversations today are far more open and impactful than they were two decades ago.
“What I see now is an athletic department that’s listening, that’s leaning in,” Johnson said. “Back then, we kept a lot of our thoughts to ourselves. Today’s athletes speak out, organize, lead. That’s powerful.”
Indeed, today’s athletes are taking the torch and running with it. The Longhorns’ Juneteenth programming didn’t stop at commemorative speeches. In the weeks leading up to June 19, athletes engaged in service projects across Austin, from volunteering at historically Black churches to hosting youth clinics in underserved neighborhoods. The emphasis was on action—using time, energy, and influence to uplift others.
The football team visited the George Washington Carver Museum to engage with exhibits on Black history in Texas, an experience many players described as emotional and eye-opening. Linebacker Jaylan Ford called it “a reminder of who came before us and why we can’t take anything for granted.”
While most collegiate athletic programs make passing reference to Juneteenth, the Texas Longhorns have made it part of their culture, infusing the principles of equity and remembrance into everyday practice. Coaches, too, have taken up the mantle. Head football coach Steve Sarkisian has made it a priority to educate his team not just on their playbook, but on the world around them. He’s brought in speakers, facilitated open forums, and encouraged players to lead initiatives of their own.
“Culture is about more than winning games,” Sarkisian said during the tribute. “It’s about integrity, respect, and the courage to stand for something. I’m proud of our athletes for leading with their hearts and pushing all of us to be better.”
As the Longhorns marched through campus on Juneteenth morning, the cadence of their steps echoed with purpose. Banners displaying words like “Freedom,” “Legacy,” and “Unity” lined their path. The Texas Tower, lit in burnt orange, cast its glow over the crowd as a local gospel choir sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The symbolism was powerful, but the energy was real. This was not a photo op. It was a movement.
For student-athletes like track sprinter Brianna Davis, who helped organize the day’s events, Juneteenth is more than a single moment in June—it’s a mindset.
“We carry our history with us every day,” Davis said. “But today we honor it out loud. And we commit to building something stronger for the next generation.”
The Longhorns have also committed resources to supporting Black student-athletes through academic mentorship, mental health services, and financial literacy programs. The school recently announced that a portion of ticket revenue from the upcoming season would be donated to Austin-based nonprofit organizations focused on racial justice and youth empowerment.
From symbolic gestures to concrete investment, Texas Athletics is striving to show what allyship and leadership look like in 2025. But as many of the speakers noted, the work is never done. Real change requires constant vigilance, reflection, and, above all, courage.
As the sun began to set over Austin, and the final verses of a spoken-word poem rang through the stadium speakers—words written by a Texas athlete that called for healing, justice, and unity—those in attendance stood in silence, hands over hearts or held tightly in solidarity. It was a reminder that sports, when at their best, do more than entertain. They empower. They educate. They inspire.
In honoring Juneteenth, the Texas Longhorns did not simply pay tribute to the past. They issued a challenge—to themselves, to their fans, and to the broader community—to carry forward the ideals of freedom, dignity, and equality every single day. For one day in June, a stadium built for competition became a sanctuary of remembrance and hope. But for the Longhorns, that spirit will echo well beyond the final whistle.
