Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom’ effectively conveys the jubilation that occurred on June 19, 1865 when African American people in Texas were the last to be freed from the horrors of U.S. slavery, a full two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Dr. Taylor’s 32-page book, full of colorful illustrations, archival photographs, and historical documents, makes the information about Juneteenth accessible for readers aged ten and up.
Currently a professor of Education at Edgewood College in Madison Wisconsin, and President of Roar Enterprises, Inc, a consulting firm, Dr. Taylor hails originally from Missouri, with 11 brothers and sisters. He grew up in poverty, but later became the first in his family to earn a college degree.
Dr. Taylor holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, the University of Oregon, and Southeast Missouri State University. He has served as the Dean of Business School at Edgewood College, as the VP and Academic Dean at Herzing University, and as a Regional Dean at Cardinal Stritch University.
Over the years Dr. Taylor has proven himself to be an innovator, accomplished author and educator, sought-after speaker and community servant of the highest order.
Read Aloud Tips
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Introduce the book by having a discussion about Juneteenth and the students’ experience with this day in history.
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Request for students to note any vocabulary, terms, or events that are unfamiliar. Encourage them to research these items and share.
- Have meaningful discussions after reading. Ask thought-provoking questions like:
- “What would you have done?”
- “What feelings or emotions does this bring up for you?”
- “Who do you relate to the most? Why?”
Dr. Taylor’s book and poignant illustrations provide pertinent historical information about Juneteenth for future generations to enjoy. – Reverend Ronald “Doc” Myers, Sr., M.D.: Founder of the National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign