As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the People's Toolkit invites participants to explore a deeper question: What does freedom mean when liberty has never been fully realized for everyone?

In Part I of our special Juneteenth series, we will examine the history, myths, and realities surrounding America's founding and the long struggle for freedom that continued well beyond 1776. Through music, storytelling, historical reflection, and community dialogue, participants will explore the significance of Juneteenth and the unfinished work of democracy.

Leslie McGraw will lead two micro-learning sessions, beginning with an exploration of the history and meaning of Juneteenth and concluding with a deeper look at the American Revolution, the role of Great Britain, and the narratives that continue to shape how we understand our nation's origins.

We will also hear reflections from community members and descendants, including Cousin Mildred Taylor, and engage in a conversation featuring Lamont Turner and other community panelists on Pan-African perspectives, liberation, healing, and the ways we celebrate freedom today.

A special segment will examine competing visions of America's identity and inheritance through recent public remarks about the nation's founding, followed by discussion and reflection. Lamont Turner will then introduce his four-point healing process, offering practical tools for understanding and addressing the emotional and psychological wounds that continue to impact our communities.

Together, we'll honor those who came before us, including Elbert Williams, Claudette Colvin, and Kohen Wiley, while exploring how history can help us better understand the present and shape a more just future.

Why attend?

• Learn the history of Juneteenth and its continuing relevance today
• Explore often-overlooked perspectives on America's founding and democratic ideals
• Reflect on the relationship between historical truth, healing, and community resilience
• Engage in meaningful dialogue about freedom, identity, and collective responsibility
• Discover practical frameworks for personal and community healing
• Help shape the conversation leading into Part II, which will focus on healing, Indigenous connections, and the African Diaspora

Juneteenth is more than a commemoration of the past. It is an opportunity to examine where we have been, where we are, and what kind of future we are creating together. Join us as we honor the struggle for freedom, challenge familiar narratives, and continue the work of building a more complete and honest democracy.

Join us and bring a friend.