Way before Juneteenth, did you know that Black New Yorkers once celebrated freedom on July 5 instead of July 4?

In this special commentary, George Kilpatrick reflects on New York’s Emancipation Day, why Black communities celebrated on July 5, and how that tradition connects to Frederick Douglass’ historic speech in Rochester, and today’s conversations about freedom and equality.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.