Juneteenth holds a profound place in Texas and American history. For many across UTMB Health, the holiday is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reflection of heritage, a reminder of progress, and a connection to the community that continues to shape our institution.
For team members like Tammie Collins and Richard Walker, who are active leaders within UTMB’s Black Employee Resource Group (BERG), Juneteenth represents both a personal reflection and a shared experience that grows stronger each year across UTMB’s campuses.
Place Where History Lives
For Collins, a Galveston native, the meaning of Juneteenth starts close to home.
“I get to say I’m from the place where Juneteenth began,” she said. “That’s special, and it means something to be part of an institution like UTMB that is rooted right here, near where that original announcement was made in 1865.”
As a “BOI” (Born on the Island), Collins grew up attending Juneteenth parades and family gatherings. Over time, her appreciation deepened through a broader understanding of Galveston’s role in the holiday’s origin. Being part of UTMB adds another layer to that connection.
“UTMB’s proximity to that history matters,” she said. “It becomes more than a memory. It becomes a living part of our community story.”
Finding Meaning Through Community
For Walker, who joined UTMB after relocating from the Northeast, Juneteenth wasn’t something he had grown up celebrating. That changed when he came to Galveston and found an opportunity to learn and engage through BERG.
“Before UTMB, I had heard of Juneteenth, but it wasn’t something we recognized where I lived,” he shared. “Since joining BERG, I’ve connected with people who’ve lived here all their lives and shared stories that made it real for me.”
As his role takes him across all UTMB campuses and Correctional Managed Care facilities, Walker often encounters colleagues who want to learn more or find ways to contribute. That interest, he says, reflects the kind of culture UTMB is building.
“There’s sometimes a perception that BERG is only for African American employees, but that’s not true at all,” he said. “BERG is open to everyone. That’s the point, we’re creating space to connect across backgrounds.”
Celebrating Culture, Encouraging Dialogue
Throughout the year, and especially around Juneteenth, BERG works to create opportunities that encourage meaningful dialogue and celebrate cultural identity. From organizing campus events to publishing a newsletter, the group helps highlight important heritage observances in ways that resonate across the institution.
“Everywhere I go, clinics, campuses, hospitals, I meet people who want to be part of something and learn from one another,” said Walker. “That’s what BERG represents.”
“It’s about being proud of where we’re from and also welcoming others into the conversation,” added Collins.
A Holiday With Purpose
As UTMB prepares to commemorate Juneteenth, both Collins and Walker emphasize that the day is about more than history. It is a chance to reflect, celebrate, and look forward.
“It’s important to understand why we have this holiday,” said Walker. “Take time to learn the story. That’s where the meaning begins.”
“Juneteenth isn’t just something we commemorate,” Collins added. “It’s something we live. At UTMB, it’s part of the fabric of who we are, past, present, and future.”
Want to get involved with BERG?
BERG is open to all UTMB employees and active across campuses. To learn more, email BERG@utmb.edu or watch for upcoming events in UTMB Daily Announcements.