Virtual Parlor Chat: History of Juneteenth

Speaker Athenia Rodney leads this interactive discussion on Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, which commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day represents not only the end of slavery in the United States but also a continued struggle for freedom, equality, and justice.
Throughout this Virtual Parlor Chat, we delve into the historical context that led to this momentous day, the efforts and struggles that African Americans faced before and after emancipation, and the long journey toward the national recognition of Juneteenth. We discuss the significance of this day in the context of African American culture and American history, highlighting key figures and events that have shaped its legacy. Participants in the chat create a communal poem that embodies the spirit of Juneteenth and honors the journey toward freedom and equality. Speaker Athenia Rodney is the founder and organizer of the annual Juneteenth NY Festival and Summit, one of the largest and longest-running annual events in the New York City area. In its 15th year, the Juneteenth NY Celebration was created to empower the Black community as well as advance the economic and cultural arts in underserved areas and champion small, Black-owned businesses.