Juneteenth will be celebrated in Oberlin this year on June 13. The event website relates:

Juneteenth or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last enslaved persons in Texas were freed.  Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation did not come in Texas until June 19, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863.  And slavery in Delaware was not officially abolished until December, 1865.

Adenike Sharpley is the woman in charge of organizing this year’s event. All of the background material I could find on Sharpley portrayed a woman who lives life with intent and purpose. An hour’s conversation did nothing to diminish that image.

Music for this episode is taken from my recent interview with Hassan Allen who graciously gave permission for its use.