Juneteenth: A History and Reflection on Emancipation with Tony Cohen {REPLAY}

This bonus episode originally aired on June 19th, 2021 We have a special bonus episode for you this week in celebration of our newest national holiday-- Juneteenth! Mary and Emma reunite with author, historian and farmer Tony Cohen for an exploration into the history of Juneteenth and the holiday’s complex folklore and origins. Tony takes us back in time to examine how this monumental declaration of freedom spread in a variety of ways depending on the geographic, economic and social landscape of the time. Mary, Emma and Tony pause to reflect upon what freedom means and looks like in the modern era and why society continues to resist a hard look at injustice. Tony points to how altering behavior can feel like giving up our own freedoms and comforts and reminds us that the fair trade movement has deeply historic roots. He also reflects upon the transition from enslavement to the tenant farming system and points to how that system affects us still today. The trio grapples with some hard truths about freedom itself and acknowledges the work still left to be done.  Tony shares how he celebrates Juneteenth at Button Farm and rejoices in community as he reflects upon the precious ability to gather and take new found enthusiasm into the world.    Let’s get into the episode: 1:30 - Emma introduces this week’s special episode 3:00 - Tony Cohen on the history of Juneteenth 15:00 - The transition into freedom 20:00 - The shift to “waged” labor and the evolution of slavery 28:00 - Fair trade 31:00 - Local emancipation 41:00 - Celebrating Juneteenth 42:30 - The happenings at Button Farm 48:00 - Creating Community   Things Mentioned:  Button Farm Oprah’s visit  The Menare Foundation HipCamp - Camp at Button Farm  Anthony Cohen The Good Dirt - Episode 31  The AG Reserve - Montgomery County  The Underground railroad in Montgomery County, Maryland: A history and driving guide Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday  Lift Every Voice and Sing DC Emancipation Day  Montgomery County Historical Society  13th Amendment  14th Amendment 15th Amendment 🌻 About Lady Farmer: · Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community · Visit Our Website The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living · Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram · Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production. 🌿 The Good Dirt Producers: · Wendy Gray