Friday marks the first federal Juneteenth holiday in American history. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on Thursday. Despite it being originally celebrated in Texas in 1866, Juneteenth is still misunderstood.
This hour, we discuss what Juneteenth is, how it is -- or should be -- taught, and we preview a local Juneteenth event. Our guests:
- Reverend Myra Brown, lead pastor at Spiritus Christi Church
- Mary Heveron-Smith, member of the Spiritus Christi Anti-Racism Coalition, communications coordinator for the Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk, and retired Webster English teacher
- Gloria Johnson-Hovey, founder and director of the Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk, and retired RCSD school social worker
- Simeon Banister, vice president of community programs at Rochester Area Community Foundation