The History of Juneteenth: A Legacy of Freedom. A Future of Justice.

Thursday, June 11 | 2:00 PM

Presented by Derek Hankerson
Historian & President of Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationists

Juneteenth is more than a date in history. It is a powerful story of resilience, delayed justice, perseverance, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom in America.

Join respected historian Derek Hankerson for a compelling and thought-provoking presentation exploring the deeper historical roots of Juneteenth and its connection to Florida, the Seminole Wars, Black history, and the enduring fight for liberty.

While June 19, 1865 marks the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation! The story of freedom in America stretches far beyond a single moment. From Fort Mose, the first legally recognized free Black settlement in what is now the United States, to the Black Seminoles who fought beside Seminole warriors during the Second Seminole War, this lecture reveals the powerful and often overlooked stories that shaped the American experience.

Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Hankerson connects the past to the present, exploring themes of resistance, cultural identity, justice, and community that still resonate today.

This is not simply a history lecture. It is an opportunity to better understand the legacy of freedom and why its story continues to matter.

WHY ATTEND?
Discover the deeper meaning and origins of Juneteenth
Learn about Florida’s overlooked role in the fight for freedom
Explore the history of Fort Mose, Black Seminoles, and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
Hear from one of the region’s most engaging historians and preservation advocates

ADMISSION:
$5 for Members | $18 for Non-Members
Includes museum admission. Valid Membership card required for member entry

This talk is expected to sell out – there is no guaranteed availability at the door

Any Questions, please call us at (772) 225-1961

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Host or Publisher The Historical Society of Martin County