Morehouse professor dives into historical context of Juneteenth

There’s a host of Juneteenth celebrations across Atlanta this weekend, which marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to ensure all enslaved African Americans be freed. Their arrival came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Morehouse history professor Dr. Frederick Knight sat down with WABE’s “Morning Edition” to discuss how the holiday’s rich history took root and what traditions have held Juneteenth as what’s considered the longest-running African American holiday.

Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.