Course Description:

This lecture examines the historical evolution of Juneteenth, from its origins in the 19th century to its designation as a federal holiday in 2021. It explores why June 19 became a symbolic date of emancipation, how the commemoration developed over time, and what its recent national recognition reveals about changing conversations on race in the United States. Through this lens, the lecture invites critical reflection on both the legacy of slavery and the continuing pursuit of racial justice.