In this brief interview, Dr. Amrita Myers, associate professor of history and gender studies and affiliate faculty in the African American and African Diaspora studies and American history departments, talks about Juneteenth. The holiday, which commemorates when the last slaves were finally told that they were free, has lacked celebration because African American history has been broadly ignored and poorly taught. It has come into prominence due to protests. Calls to celebrate and continue the fight for black freedom join calls by activists and even some businesses to make it a paid holiday. To properly commemorate Junteenth, it is important that people learn about black history, that the holiday is paid, and that it is nationally recognized.
