This Juneteenth, the Rev. Canon Dr. J. Lee Hill, Jr. and Bishop Stevenson sat down for a conversation about the history, meaning, and continuing significance of the holiday.
The conversation explores the historical origins of Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Bishop Stevenson and Canon Hill discuss the importance of preserving and telling the full truth of American history, particularly as communities continue efforts toward justice, healing, and reconciliation.
We encourage all to honor the holiday by learning its history, telling the truth about the past, and recommitting to the work of building a more just and inclusive future.