The Real Story Behind Juneteenth with Kwami Abdul-Bey

In this episode of "All The Way Authentic," host Kevin P. Henry digs into the profound significance of Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history, with activist and historian Kwami Abdul-Bey. Join us as we share the true story behind Juneteenth, beyond the commonly known narrative.

Kwami Abdul-Bey, an activist and historian, provides an in-depth look at the origins and various interpretations of Juneteenth. We discover how Juneteenth is not a single event but a series of celebrations influenced by the Biblical Jubilee, with different states marking it in unique ways from Washington, D.C., to Texas. Kwami explains the lesser-known emancipation proclamations issued before President Abraham Lincoln’s, including one by a general in Arkansas three years earlier.

We learn about the complexities and challenges in enacting the Emancipation Proclamation, which required the Union troops to enforce it state by state. Kwami sheds light on the reorganization of ex-Confederates into the Ku Klux Klan and their violent efforts to undermine the newly gained freedom of formerly enslaved Americans. The episode concludes with reflections on the prosperity, solidarity, and resilience of the African American community in the face of ongoing adversity.

Tune in to "All The Way Authentic" to explore the rich history and enduring impact of Juneteenth, and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans post-Civil War. 

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Juneteenth: Kevin P. Henry introduces Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, and its importance in American history.
• Interview with Kwami Abdul-Bey: Kwami Abdul-Bey, an activist and historian, provides an in-depth look at the origins and various interpretations of Juneteenth.
• Multiple Juneteenth Celebrations: Discover how Juneteenth is not a single event but a series of celebrations influenced by the Biblical Jubilee, with different states marking it in unique ways from Washington, D.C., to Texas.
• Emancipation Proclamations: Learn about the lesser-known emancipation proclamations issued before President Abraham Lincoln’s, including one by a general in Arkansas three years earlier.
• Implementation of Freedom: Understand the complexities and challenges in enacting the Emancipation Proclamation, which required the Union troops to enforce it state by state.
• Post-Emancipation Struggles: Kwami sheds light on the reorganization of ex-Confederates into the Ku Klux Klan and their violent efforts to undermine the newly gained freedom of formerly enslaved Americans.
• Legacy of Juneteenth: The episode concludes with reflections on the prosperity, solidarity, and resilience of the African American community in the face of ongoing adversity.

The All The Way Authentic Podcast with Kevin P. Henry talks about all things diversity and inclusion, mental health, and empowerment.

Kevin P. Henry has worked in the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, communications, and training field for over 30 years. He also has extensive experience as a journalist, voice actor, and writer. Currently, he works for the private and public sectors, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. Kevin utilizes a variety of skills to meet the needs of clients, which include strategic planning, training, facilitation, and writing.

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While living in Hawaii, Kevin developed educational programs for high school students that focused on career planning, writing, and video production. In addition, he worked with domestic violence survivors and at-risk youth coordinating career planning workshops.  

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