Although freedom and liberation are often considered to be synonymous, this Juneteenth, we take another approach. A quick glance across the thoughts and actions of Black Americans demonstrates the notions and realities of freedom and liberation may be different experiences. For some, freedom is the capacity to think for yourself, to determine the direction of your future without outside assistance or influence. Yet, for others, liberation is the ability to move freely throughout the society – it assumes the absence of bondage and oppression, an unshackling, an unfettering, an unchaining. Throughout history, people of African descent have fought to not only be free, but to thrive in liberation. The Diaspora’s diversity, then, brings to the table numerous perspectives and ways of imagining and working towards a free and liberated world for Black people. Can this world be known in the 21st century? Can freedom and liberation coexist? What obstacles remain to be dismantled and removed? Are we already free, and how can this be?

Panelists include: Drs. Caree Ann Banton (University of Arkansas), Philip Butler (Iliff School of Theology), Jennifer Gómez (Wayne State University), LaTricia Mitchell (University of Michigan and Black Campus Ministries), Dominique Thomas (The Community Psychologist)

Moderated by Dr. Meredith Hope (NCID)