On Juneteenth

Annette Gordon-Reed's On Juneteenth expertly weaves together American history, a compelling family chronicle, and personal memoir to provide a factual and educational perspective on the long road to Juneteenth in the U.S. The book delves into the origins of Juneteenth in Texas and chronicles the immense challenges faced by African-Americans over the past century, from Reconstruction to Jim Crow and beyond. As a Texas native and descendant of enslaved individuals who arrived in Texas in the early 1820s, Gordon-Reed offers a fresh and unbiased narrative of her home state, challenging the dominant cowboy, rancher, and oilman stories that have traditionally defined Texas. Her insights have far-reaching implications for all readers.

In On Juneteenth, Gordon-Reed combines personal anecdotes with poignant facts from American history to demonstrate the impact of African-Americans in Texas. From the earliest presence of Black people in the state to the announcement of the end of slavery on June 19, 1865, by Major General Gordon Granger in Galveston, they have been an integral part of the Texas story.

By restructuring the standard "Alamo" model, she effectively proves, among other findings, that the economy based on slavery and race not only shaped the tumultuous period of Texas' independence, but also caused the Mexican-American War and eventually, the Civil War.

On Juneteenth offers a succinct, articulate, and well-researched retelling of Texas and national history, challenging traditional narratives. With the potential recognition of June 19 as a national holiday, this book serves as a necessary record and a powerful reminder that the struggle for equality persists.