After 155 years, Juneteenth, a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Americans, is being acknowledged as a holiday by corporations and state governments across the country. Today, we consider why, throughout its history, Juneteenth has gained prominence at moments of pain in the struggle for black liberation in America. We also ask: What does freedom mean now?
Although, the Emancipation Proclamation - which changed the federal legal status of 3.5 Million people from slave to free - was signed on January 1, 1863, news of their change in status did not reach the enslaved people in the southern states immediately. June 19, 1865 was the day the last group of enslaved people were set free in Galveston, Texas. The truth is, many Americans do not know about Juneteenth. Actress Jenifer Lewis, who plays Grandma Ruby on Black-ish joins us to discuss why having Juneteenth in the "mainstream" is important.
Juneteenth. A day of glorious black people remembrance and celebration. Hear the Peas discuss what Juneteenth is all about, the ways they celebrate Juneteenth, and the culinary past of the holiday.
