Dear Students,
As we read essays on the history of racial injustice by James Baldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates, let’s take time to celebrate our new Federal Holiday: JUNETEENTH. This Saturday (and every June 19th) marks the end of slavery in the United States following the Civil War (1861-1865). Please watch a brief video on the signing of this bill by President Biden and VP Harris as well as an article on events taking place in NYC and Brooklyn this weekend.
Will do professor, thank you.
Sensational day, sensational year it is! Thank you professor Happy Juneteenth
This came 156 years later than it should have, especially because just 60-70 years ago there was still separation in busses, schools, and even water fountains. With the joint efforts of Civil Rights activists from the African American and other communities things are starting to change. In my opinion it has been a very slow process but it is more than welcome. I was surprised that as the first African American president Obama did not promote this holiday.
Very interesting commentary Itay. I couldn’t agree more, especially your point about President Obama’s neglect to pursue this himself. Perhaps it took BLM to help make this happen.