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?
Guest: Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
Background reading:
In a project examining the history and import of Juneteenth, we ask: What is freedom in America?Opal Lee, 93, an activist and lifelong Texan, has campaigned to make June 19 a national holiday for years. This is her vision for honoring the emancipation of enslaved Americans.Sunday Special: Un-Marry Me!
An Explosive Hearing in Trump’s Georgia Election Case
How China Broke One Man’s Dreams
The Biden Problem Democrats Can No Longer Ignore
Why the Race to Replace George Santos Is So Close
Why Boeing’s Top Airplanes Keep Failing
The Sunday Read: ‘The Unthinkable Mental Health Crisis That Shook a New England College’
Kick Trump Off the Ballot? Even Liberal Justices Are Skeptical
A Guilty Verdict For a Mass Shooter’s Mother
El Salvador Decimated Gangs. But at What Cost?
The U.N. Scandal Threatening Crucial Aid to Gaza
The 1948 Economic Moment That Might Explain Our Own
The Sunday Read: ‘The Great Freight-Train Heists of the 21st Century’
On the Ballot in South Carolina: Biden’s Pitch to Black Voters
Secure the Border, Say Republicans. So Why Are They Killing a Plan to Do That?
Is the Future of Medicine Hidden in Ancient DNA?
Trump’s Voters vs. Haley’s Donors
The Failed Promise of Police Body Cameras
The Sunday Read: ‘The Whale Who Went AWOL’
The Mother Who Changed: A Story of Dementia
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Up First
Post Reports
The Run-Up
Matter of Opinion
Today, Explained