On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and declare — two years and six months after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation — that slavery had been abolished. It’s said that the formerly enslaved people began to celebrate the day with prayer, feasting, song and dance.
Over a century and a half later, Juneteenth is a day of celebration, but also an occasion that forces us to take a deep look at our violent past and the systems that continue to uphold racial injustice in this country. What tangible change has been prompted by the recent racial reckoning following George Floyd’s murder? What are the next steps required for further progress?
Tune in NOW for a special live edition of The Carlos Watson Show to discuss where we’ve been — and where we go from here. Join the conversation with Carlos and special guests including activist DeRay Mckesson, comedian W. Kamau Bell, acclaimed writer Baratunde Thurston, chef Carla Hall, Harvard professor Jarvis Givens and more.
Don’t forget to weigh in with your own thoughts in the live chat — and click here to join the conversations on Twitter!
