On Juneteenth: Annette Gordon-Reed on the Past, Present, and Future of Black Freedom

Juneteenth is a day of celebration, remembrance, and reflection. It is a day to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, to remember the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and to reflect on the ongoing work of racial justice.

In her book 'On Juneteenth,' Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed explores the historical significance of Juneteenth, the complexities of racial identity in America, and the ongoing struggle for Black freedom. Gordon-Reed argues that Juneteenth is not simply a day to celebrate the end of slavery, but a day to recommit ourselves to the fight for racial justice.

On Juneteenth

by Annette Gordon-Reed

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	852 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

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The Historical Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the day that enslaved African Americans in Texas finally received news of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and read aloud General Order No. 3, which declared that all enslaved people in Texas were free.

The news of emancipation was met with great joy and celebration by enslaved African Americans in Texas. They had finally been freed from the shackles of slavery and could now begin to build new lives for themselves and their families.

Juneteenth quickly became a day of celebration for African Americans across the United States. It was a day to remember the sacrifices of those who had fought for freedom and to celebrate the progress that had been made.

The Complexities of Racial Identity in America

Juneteenth is also a day to reflect on the complexities of racial identity in America. The Emancipation Proclamation may have ended slavery, but it did not end racism. African Americans continued to face discrimination and violence in the years after the Civil War.

Today, the United States is still grappling with the legacy of slavery and racism. African Americans continue to face discrimination in housing, education, employment, and the criminal justice system.

Juneteenth is a reminder that the fight for racial justice is not over. We must continue to work to create a more just and equitable society for all.

The Ongoing Struggle for Black Freedom

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for Black freedom, but it is also a day to recommit ourselves to the work that remains to be done.

We must continue to fight for racial justice in all its forms. We must fight for equal opportunity in education, housing, employment, and the criminal justice system. We must fight for an end to police brutality and mass incarceration.

The fight for Black freedom is not just a fight for the rights of African Americans. It is a fight for the rights of all Americans. It is a fight for a more just and equitable society for all.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration, remembrance, and reflection. It is a day to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, to remember the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and to reflect on the ongoing work of racial justice.

We must recommit ourselves to the fight for Black freedom. We must continue to work to create a more just and equitable society for all.

On Juneteenth

by Annette Gordon-Reed

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	852 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

FREE