What does it mean to be free?
Another year to celebrate and reflect on a moment in history! Juneteenth is about freedom! On this day in 1865 two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops announced to over 250,000 unaware Black folks in Texas..that they were free! And over a half-century later in 2021, this day was officially named a federal holiday.
I’m still amazed and proud that I am here to see the holiday come to fruition. To think that freedom was delayed (especially for two years, any amount for that matter) is truly an injustice. I cannot even begin to imagine…BUT the dream was delayed not diminished. While the holiday is not perfect (there is room for growth), the history of Juneteenth will always be around, which is important! Freedom did come!
As an African American Studies professor, I am always talking about the experiences of Black folks in and out of the diaspora, particularly in popular culture. And when thinking about those experiences I cannot help but consider the past. As a people, we have encountered daily trauma, joy, pain, motivation, and so much more. These expressions are projected in many ways, many speaking to the ultimate goal…simply being free!! This freedom is shown through our music, food, tv shows, films, language, and so much more. In our own unique way, we have been able to unapologetically give ourselves permission to be empowered and live free in spite of what might be happening in the world.
In the spirit of celebrating being free and living in one’s purpose, I have gathered a few options of some good books to read, a few movies to watch, and some podcasts to add to your morning commute that speak to being FREE! Check them out below:
Books
- On Juneteenth ~Annette Gordon-Reed
- We Are Each Other’s Harvest Celebrating African American Farmers, Land, and Legacy ~Natalie Baszile
- Four Hundred Souls ~Edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha Blain
- Magic Enuff ~Tara M. Stringfellow
- Shoutin’ in the Fire ~Danté Stewart
- Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People ~Tiya Miles
- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness ~Austin Channing Brown
Movies/Film & TV Series
- Miss Juneteenth (2020)
- Beyond the Canvas-Art: Black Women Lead (2023)
- Pose (2018-2021)
- Mending Walls: The Documentary (2022)
- The Learning Tree (1969)
- High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (Netflix)
Podcasts
- The Juneteenth Mixtape (Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi)
- The History and Meaning of Juneteenth (The Daily)
- Merry Juneteenth (The Peas in the Podcast, Season 1-Episode 6)
TV Specials
- Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Legacy (CNN) [Airing June 19 at 10pm ET/PT]: The third annual special will feature musical performances and conversations with John Legend, Patti LaBelle, and Smokey Robinson discussing freedom, progress and recognizing the people that paved the way.
- Breaking New Ground (Max) [Airing on June 27th]: The series follows Broadway performer, entrepreneur, and educator Robert Hartwell as he takes on the challenge of transforming a 200-year-old house with a complicated history into a home filled with love. It’s a renovation story that celebrates the resilience of Robert’s journey as well as those who came before him.
- Additional documentaries, films, and television shows (provided by VCU News)
Now we cannot leave without offering some reflections on popular food and drinks that many folks consume during this celebration. During Juneteenth celebrations it is customary to partake in a feast, but particularly red foods take center stage. Red symbolizes the resilience from bondage. As noted by Chef Chris Scott who spearheaded the first James Beard Foundation’s Juneteenth celebration, “the red symbolizes the blood that was shed by Black Africans and Black Americans during slave capture, slave travel, and slave trade here in the state and in the Caribbean.” Some of the common foods found on a Juneteenth menu include:
- Strawberries (especially strawberry soda pop)
- Sorrel
- Watermelon
- BBQ
- Red beans and rice
- Red Velvet Cake
- Deviled eggs
Remember these are just the basics, it is up to you what you want to include, you can even make your own creations or remix a recipe. Just make sure it’s with family and friends as you celebrate and reflect on the notion of freedom!!
As an extra bonus check out this past episode where I talk with my friend and academic colleague about why Juneteenth Matters!!
Black Future Feminist 