A Rev250 Program
featuring Dr. Leslie Wilson, Montclair State University
To celebrate Juneteenth on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is to remember that freedom and independence were unequally fought for and won for different people in this country. In this lecture, Montclair State University professor Leslie Wilson will discuss the promise of American freedom and the rise of Juneteenth as an early manifestation of African American hopes and dreams.
Despite the political failure clouding the Civil War and Reconstruction era, African Americans found their strengths and resilience. They made wartime legislation, and the new constitutional amendments serve as a roadmap to equality and a better life. On Juneteenth, thousands of freed people found reasons to celebrate their new lives—a celebration we continue today on the country's newest holiday, a holiday that recognizes that African American history is truly American history.
About the presenter
Dr. Leslie Wilson is a professor of history and associate dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University. He holds a PhD from the Graduate School of the City University of New York.