Juneteenth: Celebrations, Reflection, and the Unfinished Work of Freedom

Americans celebrated Juneteenth with cookouts, parades, and gatherings to commemorate the end of slavery after the civil war. While some urged quiet reflection on America's often violent and oppressive treatment of its Black citizens, others celebrated the new federal holiday. A recent poll showed that 70% of Black adults believe "a lot" needs to be done to achieve equal treatment for African Americans in policing. The Juneteenth holiday should be celebrated with the same emphasis as Independence Day, according to Ryan Jones, the associate curator of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.