Celebrate Juneteenth with Austin PBS Programming

Austin PBS invites you to join in the celebration of Juneteenth with a stacked series of programs! Unpack the history of Juneteenth through the lens of distinct communities with conversations from Washington, D.C. to Galveston, Texas and celebrate Black culture. Every day from June 17 until Juneteenth catch episodes of Blackademics Television and Juneteenth Jamboree along with a number of specials, including can’t-miss documentary JUNETEENTH: FAITH & FREEDOM.

Tune In for Juneteenth 2024 Featured Programs

Monday, June 17th

African American opportunities appeared in the frontier west after the Civil War. Black cowboys permeated the land. Buffalo soldiers were recruited to take up the Indian Wars. And a Black Seminole tribe chose freedom over oppression. Juneteenth Jamboree 2018 “Soldiers, Cowboys, and Indians” at 4:00 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/juneteenth-jamboree/

Maya Smart speaks on the effects of early childhood literacy and how parents can assist their children. Jason Stanford highlights his unique take on the historiography of the Alamo in his book. Dr. Kevin Foster discusses transformative police reform and advocates for a cohesive approach. Blackademics Television #1101 “Smart/Stanford/Foster” at 4:30 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/blackademics-tv/

Tuesday, June 18th

BARRY FARM shares a journey for community, land, and justice in the nation's capital. It is a story of the Barry Farm neighborhood, but it is also a story of Washington, D.C. And, in the cycles of place and displacement, it is a story of the United States of America. Barry Farm: Community, Land and Justice In Washington D.C. at 3:00 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/barry-farm-community-land-justice-in-washington-dc/

Our show illuminates the significance of the Juneteenth holiday and shares stories about black culture and history. Join us for a look back at some of our highlights from past episodes. Juneteenth Jamboree 2019 “Juneteenth Jamboree: A Retrospective” at 4:00 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/juneteenth-jamboree/

Amira Rose Davis takes us on her journey of sports and her advocacy work for women in sports. Olivia Affuso discusses the importance of women of color, culture and nutrition. Jarell Howard Rochelle uses dance to express his experience in the academy and his passion for social justice. Blackademics Television #1102 “Davis/Affuso/Rochelle” at 4:30 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/blackademics-tv/

Wednesday, June 19th

Equalization schools were established throughout the American South to maintain racial distance from Blacks. Austin created its own segregated high school in 1909, and it rose to statewide glory and out-grew three campuses; in 1971 it was closed as a segregated school. 50 years later, students still identify themselves by their mascot "The Yellow Jackets" and remain connected as a community. Anderson Yellow Jackets at 2:00 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/video/the-anderson-yellow-jackets-wisdp1/

JUNETEENTH: FAITH & FREEDOM is a documentary by award-winning director, Ya'Ke Smith that invites viewers into the story of Juneteenth - the holiday recognizing the end of legalized slavery in Texas - through the eyes of a Black man learning about the holiday from the direct descendants of those liberated that fateful day. The story reveals the harsh realities of slavery while also offering an inspirational insight into how hope, perseverance, and faith were major factors in the resilience of those who survived slavery. The film features 2022 Nobel Prize Nominee Ms. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" who was the guest of honor at the White House ceremony which enshrined Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and other prominent voices who played key roles in keeping the observance of Juneteenth thriving before the recent national recognition. Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom at 3:00 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/juneteenth-faith-freedom/

With the Galveston landing of U.S. Army Gen. Gordon Granger in 1865, slavery in Texas ended. African bondsmen became freedmen, and women and children likewise became African Americans. Many left the plantations to join freedom colonies; others sought out opportunities in cities and towns. Today, the consequences of gentrification and rising property values challenge new generations. Juneteenth Jamboree 2021 “From A Free Place to Displace” at 4:00 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/juneteenth-jamboree/

Three different perspectives come together on the passing of a historic $2.44 billion bond in the Austin Independent School District. Stephanie Hawley describes her take on educational equity. Anthony Mays explains the complex side of educational administration. Kevin Foster concludes with his final perspective on the state of education as a trustee board member before the bond is passed. Blackademics Television #1103 “Hawley/Mays/Foser” at 4:30 pm.

Also available for streaming at: https://www.pbs.org/show/blackademics-tv/