Juneteenth

June 19th is now Juneteenth National Independence Day in the US. Many Black and African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth since the 1800s, but calls to make it a federal holiday never went far - until last summer. In the weeks after George Floyd’s death, lots of companies announced they’d give their employees the day off on June 19th and more states made Juneteenth a holiday. Cornell University Africana Studies professor Noliwe Rooks explores the holiday’s history and current significance. (Originally aired: June 17th, 2020) (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)