The Juneteenth Read-and-Watch List

Juneteenth marks the date when word of emancipation finally reached the last enclave of enslaved Black people on June 19, 1865. Originating in Texas and celebrated in pockets throughout the country for decades, Juneteenth National Independence Day became the country’s newest federal holiday in 2021. Its official title is significant, marking a second independence in the United States that finished some business left unaddressed at its first. As much as it’s a day of celebration, it’s also a commemoration of a people and a nation’s struggle toward equality, fairness, and justice for all Americans.

There’s no shortage of fascinating books, films, music, and articles to explore the history and meaning behind the day. But, in the last year, the following content stands out in chronicling the way race, enslavement, migration, stories, and myths have always shaped America, the South, and the people who call it home.

The Survivors of Clotilda
By Hannah Durkin

The Survivors of the Clotilda follows the remarkable lives of 110 captive people on the last-known ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States. Durkin delves into the terrifying 45-day journey of the Clotilda, its illegal importation and sale of African captives into Alabama in 1860, and the lives of the survivors after Emancipation. The book traces the dawn of the civil rights movement in Selma to the foundation of an all-Black African Town (later Africatown) in northern Mobile—an inspiration for writers of the Harlem Renaissance. The Survivors of the Clotilda challenges readers to confront the complexities of the nation’s past and reflect on its implications for the present.

Arlington’s Civil War Legacy Is Finally Laid to Rest
By Clint Smith, 2020 New America Fellow, The Atlantic

There is a delicate balance between honoring history and confronting its darker aspects in the pursuit of national reconciliation, a balance surrounded by contentious debate. Smith highlights the historical intricacies and evolving perspectives surrounding these contentious symbols—including calls for their removal as symbols of racism and reminders of a painful past—sparking heated discussions nationwide.

Southern Storytellers
Streaming on PBS

In a collection of compelling stories, PBS’s Southern Storytellers series explores the diverse experiences, cultures, and histories of Southern communities. Through engaging interviews, vibrant visuals, and authentic storytelling, the series illuminates the complexities and beauty of Southern life, inviting viewers on a captivating journey through the region’s past, present, and future through the eyes of Southern writers, musicians, artists, and creators.

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
Streaming on Netflix

“Black food is American food.” This Netflix documentary series explores the rich culinary heritage of African American cuisine and its profound influence on American food culture. Through historical research, personal stories, and culinary exploration, chef and writer Stephen Satterfield traces the delicious, moving throughlines from Africa to Texas in this acclaimed series.

The ‘Colorblindness Trap’: How a Civil Rights Ideal Got Hijacked
By Nikole Hannah-Jones, 2017 New America Fellow, New York Times

In this New York Times article, Hannah-Jones explores the evolving discourse around civil rights and affirmative action, chronicling how the idea of a colorblind Constitution has been co-opted to unravel civil rights gains. Through compelling narratives and insightful historical analysis, this piece challenges conventional wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on the complexities of race relations in modern society and the ongoing struggle to achieve genuine equality.

White Parents Rallied to Chase a Black Educator Out of Town. Then, They Followed Her to the Next One.
By Nicole Carr, ProPublica

Delving into the fiery debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Georgia's polarized education landscape, Carr sheds light on the clash between conservative parents and DEI proponents, amid accusations of promoting critical race theory. This eye-opening account of one of today’s most pressing topics offers insights into the pressures facing Georgia districts and the crucial importance of understanding DEI’s true objectives in the midst of fervent debate.

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