On this episode we look at Juneteenth, the newly minted Federal Holiday memorializing the arrival of the Union Army in Texas, who promptly informed black slaves there that they had been free for more than two years. The date was often called Black Independence Day, but in many ways, the holiday for most Americans is a symbolic observance of a date that is not taught in our schools (often due to the textbook publishing industry’s catering to the interests of politicians in larger states, like Texas).
On the Supernova Earth show, we take the opportunity to once more acknowledge the contributions of black culture to tv and music, and the myriad benefits it provides to American Society, as well as the work that still must be done to achieve full equality between blacks and whites in the US.
Also Check out the Following Books:
Juneteenth - Ralph Ellison
Lovecraft Country - Matt Ruff
The Bingo Long Travelling All Stars and Motor Kings - William Brashler
The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander
Are Prisons Obsolete?- Angela Y. Davis
Songs played during this Episode
Nina Simone- "Feeling Good"
Lupe Fiasco- "Audubon Ballroom"
Mary J. Blige- "Be Happy"
Arrested Development- "Never Had Your Back"
Beds utilized in this Episode
Bikini Kill- "Rebel Girl" (segment)
Boz Scaggs- "Low Down" (segment)
Production elements used in this Episode (no samples cleared)
Victor Allen (Voice)
Digital Underground- "The New Jazz" (segment)
Stacy Duffy (Voice)
Downhill Battle Dot Org- "Payola PSA" (PSA)