Juneteenth Continues to Influence Our Fight for Justice
The first Black person to win a Pulitzer Prize for History, Annette Gordon-Reed played a vital role in helping Juneteenth gain national recognition. Drawing on her New York Times bestselling book On Juneteenth, she shows how the history of Black America continues to guide our fight for racial justice today.
Understanding Our History Is the Catalyst for Real Change
The legacy of slavery continues to shape our cities, our policies, and the stories we tell. But we can work towards a more truthful story for everyone. For his #1 New York Times bestseller How the Word Is Passed, Clint Smith traveled across the US to show how engaging with our past can help our country change for the better.
Black History Is American History
Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones proves that when we understand the history of Black America, we understand the history and the future of all America. Her 1619 Project (now an Emmy Award-winning docuseries) offers us a larger picture of our story, and the tools to make real change in the present.
Juneteenth Is a Story of Slavery and Freedom
Juneteenth reminds us to be vigilant about defending the freedoms we have, says Khalil Gibran Muhammad, author of The Condemnation of Blackness. By revealing the twin legacies of slavery and freedom that mark our history, “Juneteenth helps us to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still must go.”
How Can Institutions Built on Slavery Move Forward?
In The 272, Rachel L. Swarns reveals the untold story of the families who were enslaved and sold by Jesuit priests to build Georgetown University and the Catholic Church. Her vital work has prompted a national reckoning into how we can transform our knowledge of the past into concrete action in the present.
Today’s News Is Rooted In Our Past
As the Dean of Columbia Journalism School, a long-time New Yorker staff writer, and co-editor of that magazine’s anthology The Matter of Black Lives, Jelani Cobb draws on his acclaimed career to show us how Juneteenth still influences us today—and how we can learn from its legacy to create a better future.
Images Can Catalyze a Movement Towards Racial Justice
Images reveal who is represented in our democracy and who is left out, says Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, founder of Vision & Justice (an initiative that reveals the foundational role visual culture plays in generating equity and justice in America). And they can shift our cultural narratives to ensure everyone is seen and represented.
Can We Make the Promise of Freedom Real for Everyone?
Freedom was promised to the enslaved people in Texas, but Black Americans are still “left out of that full promise,” says Michelle Coles. The award-winning YA author of Black Was the Ink and a former Department of Justice civil rights attorney, she shows how we can make this freedom a reality for everyone.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African American people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a federal holiday, symbolizing the end of slavery in the United States and serving as a time for reflection, celebration, and education about the importance of freedom and equality. It’s a day to acknowledge Black people’s struggles and achievements throughout history and to commit to ongoing efforts towards racial justice and equity.
What’s the history of Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865, U.S. General Gordon Granger and his federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the freedom of the last remaining slaves in the U.S., effectively putting into practice the freedoms granted by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” and has since evolved from local celebrations in Texas to a nationwide day of recognition. Over the years, Juneteenth has grown to embody the collective struggle for freedom and equal rights. It’s a celebration of Black culture, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, further cementing its significance as a cornerstone of American history.
Why book a Juneteenth speaker?
Booking a Juneteenth speaker is a powerful way to honor the significance of this historic day. The top Juneteenth speakers delve into the historical context of Juneteenth, explore its relevance in today’s society, and inspire action towards creating a more equitable world. Our groundbreaking Juneteenth speakers include historians, activists, cultural commentators, and thought leaders who bring a wide range of perspectives on race, freedom, and the ongoing journey towards justice. By inviting a speaker to your event, you are not only enriching the knowledge and understanding of your audience but also demonstrating a commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a culture of inclusivity and reflection. Get in touch today to learn more about our Juneteenth speakers!
