I wanted to write you to wish you all a Happy Juneteenth!
Celebrated by Black Americans since 1866 — and then made a federal holiday in 2021 — it commemorates the news of emancipation from slavery reaching Galveston, Texas in 1865, two and a half years after the nominal Emancipation Proclamation. With a profound history, it is also a joyful holiday that celebrates Freedom.
There has been outstanding scholarship over the past few years that continues to enrich this history of slavery and freedom, especially how enslaved people sought freedom before and even after the war. It adds up to a knowledge of America that often feels necessary to me, and inspires what I want to hold on to, and what I want to resist, in service of our country and its deepest values. We'll be open on the holiday and would be happy to have you over to explore what books we have collected! Happy Juneteenth!
