emancipation

Over the past few weeks, we've been exploring the psychology of partisanship, and how to effectively handle disagreements with those around us. This week, we conclude our US 2.0 series by turning to the past. We talk with journalist Steve Inskeep about how one of the most important leaders in American history — Abraham Lincoln — grappled with the pressing moral question of his time. When, if ever, is it worth compromising your own principles for the sake of greater progress?

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out our 2018 conversation about Thomas Jefferson with historian Annette Gordon-Reed. It's the episode called "A Founding Contradiction" in this podcast feed, or you can listen on our website.  

“I promised you I wouldn’t make a slave movie. This is a freedom movie.” Academy Award-winning actor Will Smith discusses playing one of the most famous unknown people from American history in “Emancipation,” why he chose to work on this project, and how he’s spent the last year since the Oscars incident.

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It really happens! But most people call it emancipation of a minor. Either way, there's some interesting legal stuff in here.

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From June 2020, Dulcé Sloan clarifies common misconceptions about how Juneteenth came about and why it should be a national holiday.

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After 155 years, Juneteenth, a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Americans, is being acknowledged as a holiday by corporations and state governments across the country. Today, we consider why, throughout its history, Juneteenth has gained prominence at moments of pain in the struggle for black liberation in America. We also ask: What does freedom mean now?

Guest: Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily

Background reading:

• In a project examining the history and import of Juneteenth, we ask: What is freedom in America?
• Opal Lee, 93, an activist and lifelong Texan, has campaigned to make June 19 a national holiday for years. This is her vision for honoring the emancipation of enslaved Americans.