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On June 18, Winston & Strawn's Chairman Tom Fitzgerald kicked off the firm's Juneteenth celebration by introducing Harvard Law School Professor, noted historian and author of On Juneteenth—Annette Gordon-Reed. Chicago Partner Cardelle Spangler then led an engaging and educational Q&A session with Professor Gordon-Reed.
Juneteenth was born in 1865 when Union Army General Gordon Granger announced that the Civil War was over and proclaimed the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas—the last Confederate state with institutional slavery.
When asked why people outside of Texas should care about Juneteenth, Professor Gordon-Reed said that ending slavery was for the good of all of mankind and General Granger's proclamation on June 19, 1865, was an important step in that process.
Professor Gordon-Reed also said that while Juneteenth is a special day for many Black people, because it is deeply personal, it should be a day of celebration for Blacks and non-Blacks alike. She suggested celebrating the day with family and food and taking time to think about the meaning of the day.
She concluded by noting that despite the current state of rising white nationalism, she is optimistic because we all have the potential to make things better and, in the past, people have been able to move the needle towards greater justice.
This special presentation was sponsored by Winston & Strawn's Diversity and Inclusion Committee and our Black Lawyers Network. Learn more about our diversity initiatives here.
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