Juneteenth: Important Historical Details
After much discussion, Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday. President Joe Biden signed the bill on June 17, 2021.
This KBCS audio excerpt explores important details about Juneteenth and what happened on June 19, 1865.
KBCS’s Kevin Henry speaks with Kwami Abdul-Bey a Co-convener of the Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement and a Trustee of the Arkansas Historical Association.
Print illustration of Colored Regiment
Juneteenth
After much discussion, Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday. President Joe Biden signed the bill on June 17, 2021.
This series features perspectives on Juneteenth. It covers some details behind the historical event on June 19, 1865. You’ll also listen to local people speak on what Juneteenth means to them.
- Kwami Abdul- Bey is a Co-convener of the Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement and a Trustee of the Arkansas Historical Association. He talks about the details of June 19, 1965. He also addresses how the way we discuss Juneteenth is related to how we talk about the white mob attack on Black Wall Street and the current discussion on critical race theory.
- Fred Sims Jr. of Shoreline Organized Against Racism speaks about what Juneteenth means to him.
- Artist, Myron Curry has worked on a Juneteenth mural in Shoreline. Learning Black history has changed his life perspective.
- Local resident, Leslie shares her experience learning about Juneteenth in San Jose, CA
Resources for things to do for Juneteenth:
South Seattle Emerald’s list of events
Photo: courtesy of City of Shoreline
Producers: Kevin Henry, Gol Holghooghi, Yuko Kodama
