Talk of Alaska: Celebrating Juneteenth and looking ahead

two women sit at a desk
Sen. Elvi Gray Jackson and her Chief of Staff Besse Odom speak at the Feb. 15, 2023 hearing for a bill that would make Juneteenth a state holiday. (KTOO/Gavel Alaska screenshot)

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of Black Americans from more than 400 years of slavery. The magnitude of those centuries of imprisonment, forced labor and brutal treatment continue to affect all Americans today. However, there has been tremendous growth and progress for Black people in our country and state. We discuss the great strides made, despite resistance, and the work yet to be done on this Talk of Alaska.

LISTEN:

HOST: Lori Townsend

GUESTS:

  • Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage
  • Jasmin Smith, President, Juneteenth Anchorage
  • Andre Jackson, President, Mat-Su Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation
  • Ed Wesley, Board Chairman, Shiloh Community Housing

Resources:

PARTICIPATE:

Call 907-550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.

Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).

Post your comment during or after the live broadcast on social media (Comments may be read on air).

LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.

Lori Townsend

Lori Townsend is the chief editor, senior vice president of journalism and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452. Read more about Lori here.

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