Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III argues that Juneteenth should be both a celebration of freedom and a call to action on food justice. Through the Black Church Food Security Network’s gardening and community programs, including Baltimore’s “Operation Higher Ground,” he encourages collective efforts toward food sovereignty, self-reliance and long-term community nourishment as a path to true liberation.
Tag: Juneteenth
As Juneteenth is celebrated across the US, Obama’s presidential center opens in Chicago
As Americans celebrated Juneteenth across the country, the Barack Obama Presidential Center opened to the public in Chicago, linking the holiday’s legacy of freedom and equality with the nation’s first Black president’s vision for civic engagement. The day featured nationwide commemorations of the end of slavery, while historians and community leaders emphasized that Juneteenth remains both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of racial justice and democracy.
This Juneteenth let’s build systems to protect those most impacted by harm
Candace Moore, vice president of place, policy and power at Race Forward, argues that Juneteenth highlights the gap between America’s promises of freedom and the power communities need to make those promises a reality. Drawing on Black and Indigenous traditions of shared leadership and her experience during Chicago’s COVID-19 response, she advocates for co-governance as a way for communities and government to work together to create more equitable and lasting solutions.
Beyond Granger: Honoring the Black soldiers who enforced freedom on Juneteenth
As the nation continues to recognize Juneteenth, historians say the role Black soldiers played in enforcing emancipation in Texas is often overlooked. Those troops helped secure Union victory and freedom for enslaved people while simultaneously enduring racism, unequal treatment and emotional hardship within the Union Army itself.
Juneteenth, justice and America’s double standard
Juneteenth, a reminder of delayed justice, exposes America’s double standard in responding to injustice. Conversations on reparations and racial justice continue.
Upper Bay Juneteenth Festival and Freedom Weekend Celebration, June 12–14
By Hosanna School Museum This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Upper Bay Juneteenth Festival, a three-day Freedom Weekend Celebration taking place June 12–14, 2026. The event commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary while honoring the contributions of African Americans through the celebration of history, culture, achievement, and community in Harford County and throughout the region. […]
The endgame behind the MLK Files — erase the man, then erase the holiday
The sudden release of FBI files on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a calculated attempt to tarnish his legacy and silence the symbols that inspire progress, and is part of a broader reactionary wave aimed at rewriting history.
Legally Written: A modern-day green book for justice
In honor of Juneteenth, Kisha A. Brown announces the launch of the first national Black Lawyer Directory aimed at empowering Black communities through culturally competent legal representation. Through the “Road to 1 Million” campaign, the initiative seeks to connect 1 million Black households with trusted Black attorneys by Juneteenth 2026, echoing the legacy of the Green Book as a tool for protection and empowerment.
Is pride in the way of progress?
Christopher Anderson, member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee and former congressional and Baltimore City Council candidate, argues that Pride Month has overshadowed Black struggles by co-opting the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement and pushing Black issues further down the national agenda. He urges Black Americans to prioritize their identity and challenges uncritical support of movements that may dilute their fight for justice.
Senators mark Juneteenth with call to action on racial and economic justice
On the evening of Juneteenth, four Democratic senators gathered at the U.S. Capitol for a candid discussion with Black media outlets, using the moment not just to commemorate emancipation but to issue a pointed call to action. On June 18, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Cory Booker (D-N.Y.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) reflected on the historical significance of Juneteenth and the enduring struggle for racial justice in America.
Governor Moore unveils $400M initiative to reduce racial wealth gap on Juneteenth
On Juneteenth, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the $400 million Just Communities initiative to combat the racial wealth gap by prioritizing investment in historically underserved neighborhoods impacted by redlining, mass incarceration and economic exclusion. He also issued nearly 7,000 additional cannabis possession pardons, underscoring his administration’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting economic equity across the state.
Shaping the future: Black Leadership in tech regulation
By Andrea StevensAFRO Staff Writerastevens@afro.com Juneteenth is a commemorative day that brings together African Americans across the country. It’s a story that keeps the Black community grounded and reminds many of the progress made. As the holiday approaches, historians emphasize that Juneteenth’s legacy runs deeper—and is more complex—than a single day of celebration. Dr. Akwasi […]

