Not far from Rowan’s campus, on Jan. 30, the Words Matter bookstore in downtown Pitman was filled with lively music and conversation. The bookstore held another “Jazz at Words” evening, which included a set played by composer and Rowan Professor Denis Diblasio, and Rowan Alumni and educator Brian Betz. The music preludes a speaker, and tonight the guest speaker was Rowan University’s own Dr. Blanck giving an informative speech on the history of Juneteenth. 

Dr. Blanck is an associate professor of history and American studies and the executive director for the Center of Interdisciplinary Studies at Rowan. She wrote her first book, “Working on Juneteenth; Remembering America’s Emancipation Day.” Tonight, Blanck spoke about the history of Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was an informative speech, with the aim of helping us better understand our past. 

“We need to look back at our past and figure out what it means to us,” Blanck said about Juneteenth. 

Dr. Blanck is currently working on a second book, which is focused on the history of Juneteenth and why it is important that we understand it. According to Blanck, after Juneteenth became a national holiday, “nobody knew what to do with it,” and understanding the origins and history is the first step in not only understanding it, but celebrating it. 

She explained that it started as a state-recognized holiday in Texas, and how it grew into what it is today. But what is it, exactly? To Dr. Blanck, it is a time to take a good look at our past, recognize where we came from, and how far we still have to go. 

Words Matter bookstore is located in downtown Pitman, which is just a short drive or bike ride away from Rowan University’s campus. The store opened in 2020 and is entering its fourth year keeping the Pitman and Glassboro era interested in reading. Tonight, the bookstore was filled with former and current Rowan professors and students. It was a pretty casual event that made for great connections with professors and alumni, some sharing memories from the 50s. It shows how Rowan is still bringing people together so many years later.

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