Atlanta Free Speech Juneteenth discussion

Christy Garrison-Harrison, Rashad Richey, Tiana L. Ferrell, Alicia Fontnette and Dr. Josiah Pamoja

This past weekend, Atlanta Free Speech, in collaboration with the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, hosted a community discussion in recognition of Juneteenth titled, The Illusion of Freedom: The Reality of Black Life in America since the Emancipation Proclamation. The discussion explored various modern-day racial disparities facing the African-American community, inclusive of financial stability, education, incarceration, voting rights, and the impact of capitalism.

Atlanta Free Speech hosted the discussion to promote the importance of having open dialogues on issues that affect the urban community and create strategies to combat unjust disparities. Tiana L. Ferrell, Publisher of Atlanta Free Speech and descendant of NAACP co-founder Ida B. Wells and Alicia Fontnette, Professor and Chief Editor of Atlanta Free Speech, led the discussion along with panelist, Christy Garrison-Harrison, Professor at Clark Atlanta University, Rashad Richey, WAOK 1380 personality and Josiah Pamoja, Ph.D., Professor of History and African-American Studies.

Community leaders, scholars, activists, and residents from all over metro Atlanta were in attendance at Saturday’s event. Audience members engaged in the conversation and offered their unique perspective on the current state of Black Americans.