In this powerful special edition of the AAS Podcast, host Tera Hunter—Chair of Princeton’s Department of African American Studies—leads an urgent and reflective Juneteenth conversation with distinguished scholars Joshua Guild and Khalil Gibran Muhammad. Together, they explore the deep historical roots and contemporary significance of Juneteenth, not merely as a commemoration of emancipation, but as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for Black freedom and justice in America.

The episode unpacks the delayed emancipation of enslaved people in Texas and how that moment has come to symbolize both liberation and the persistent deferral of true justice. The guests discuss how Juneteenth can serve as a tool for historical education and political awareness in a time of mounting resistance to teaching about race and systemic inequality. They confront today’s challenges—from voter suppression to book bans—and connect them to longstanding efforts to silence Black history.

Topics range from the fight for economic justice and the risk of performative recognition of Black holidays, to the power of grassroots organizing and the legacy of Black resistance. The conversation concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to move beyond celebration and toward meaningful engagement with their communities—through education, advocacy, and sustained activism.

Above all, the episode asks: What does freedom truly mean, and how do we continue to fight for it? With clear-eyed realism and a commitment to hope, this Juneteenth conversation invites listeners to reflect, resist, and reimagine the path forward.