A special episode of Listen, St. Louis with Carol Daniel, was recently recorded live at an event at the Missouri History Museum.
For many, this important national holiday commemorates the true abolition of slavery in the United States. In the episode “Exploring the Resilience and Strength of African Americans,” Carol Daniel sat down with historian Cicely Hunter, professor Dr. Tandra Taylor, and others in a discussion exploring the history of Juneteenth, the past and present impact on our region, and the enduring significance in our community.
Daniel shares what drove her to center this live episode around Juneteenth:
"When the biographical historical drama "12 Years a Slave" was released in 2013, I heard a common refrain from many African Americans. "I can't take another slave movie!" Even though the plot was unique and based on a true story. The award-winning film was about a free Black man who was working as a violinist before being kidnapped in Washington, D.C., by two conmen and sold into slavery. I did watch it, but I'll admit that slavery has always been a tough subject to discuss, let alone watch on the big screen. I have long believed that part of that reaction is the result of the lack of information we were given in school about the horrid institution as well as the historic portrayal or, should I say, disinformation about Africa, Africans, and the enslaved.
So, It's no surprise then that 160 years after those last slaves in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, its importance remains a mystery to far too many. Worse than that is the possibility that some don't care. For all these reasons and more, I am determined to continue to do what Nine PBS does so well: tell stories that move you and change the narrative about St. Louis.
This podcast, "Juneteenth, Exploring the Resilience and Strength of African Americans," is the result of those intentions. I believe the discussion about what followed the historic moment in June of 1865 for the formerly enslaved is worthy of our attention. Imagine leaving the plantation with little or nothing and somehow creating a life against the constant threat of violence. Against all odds, the formerly enslaved survived. They took what was given, combined it with their creativity, and left us with institutions, communities, and a culture of food that continues to impact everyone.
Cicely Hunter, public historian at the Missouri Historical Society, Linda Simms, a genealogist, and Dr. Tandra Taylor, a food historian with Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, joined me for an engaging discussion. Taping it at the Missouri History Museum before a live audience gave me an energy boost I can't describe. I can only hope you are moved by the discussions, the historical information, and the joy! Happy Freedom Day!"
Check out the full episode and photo gallery of the event below. The event included food trucks, gallery tours, and a special musical performance from Dr. Philip Woodmore, Artistic Director of Voice, COCA.
Streaming now on YouTube, ninepbs.org/listenstlouis, and online below.
Supported in part by Midwest BankCentre, Betsy & Thomas Patterson Foundation, Orvin and Latriece Kimbrough, and St. Louis Development Corporation.
