The Daily The History and Meaning of Juneteenth
Jun 19, 2020
Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, a prominent history professor at the University of Texas at Austin, joins the discussion on Juneteenth's significance. They explore the holiday's evolution, connecting joy and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Berry highlights how Juneteenth celebrations have historically marked moments of pain and resilience in the fight for liberation. The conversation delves into what freedom means today, reflecting on the complexities of Black joy amidst systemic challenges and the responsibility of future generations in the quest for social change.
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Juneteenth Memories
- Formerly enslaved people recounted their Juneteenth experiences in WPA interviews.
- Many described jubilation, fleeing plantations, and starting new lives.
Juneteenth and Restrictions
- Despite the joy of Juneteenth, Black Codes restricted Black people's activities in 1866.
- Jim Crow laws later further limited celebrations to private settings.
Juneteenth's Resurgence
- Juneteenth's public resurgence started in the 1960s during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements.
- This era fostered pride in Black culture and identity.