An "On Juneteenth" Book Talk
Join the UMGC community for a special moderated panel discussion about On Juneteenth by Pulitzer Prize–winning author Annette Gordon-Reed. The inspiring 2021 book is part history about the evolution of today's Juneteenth holiday and part personal memoir about Gordon-Reed’s experiences growing up in Texas during the era of school integrations and critical strides toward racial equality.
The panel, made up of UMGC faculty and staff members, will explore several themes from the book, including the impact of Juneteenth, how geography plays a part, and renewing its national purpose. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a live Q&A. It is not necessary to have read the book to enjoy the conversation.
The UMGC Panel Members
Damon Freeman, PhD, JD, is the portfolio director of History and African American Studies.
Lari Warren-Jeanpiere, PhD, is the portfolio director for Social Sciences, Behavioral Science, and Gerontology.
Natasha Rodriguez is the director of Educational and Engagement Programs in the Office of Community Engagement and Opportunity.
Amber Surmiller is a collegiate faculty member for the History and African American Studies program in the Department of Education and Professional Studies.
About the Author
Annette Gordon-Reed, JD, was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for History for her 2008 work on the Hemings family. The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family garnered 15 additional awards. She has also won recognition for her groundbreaking historical work on the life of Thomas Jefferson and five other books, including On Juneteenth. Gordon-Reed is a professor of history at Harvard University and a professor of law at Harvard Law School.
Please join us for this special Juneteenth event.
When
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Noon–1:30 p.m. eastern time
Where
ONLINE via Zoom
Note
You must register to attend. Login information will be emailed to you.