HIGHLIGHT:  Celebrating Juneteenth with Harriet: The Screening of the Film Harriet

On Thursday, June 17^th, 2021, President Biden signed a bill making of June 19^th of every year a national holiday to commemorate the emancipation of the last back slaves on american soil in Texas on June 19^th, 1865.

Juneteenth (June Nineteen) symbolizes both the long and painful night of slavery and submission and the promise for a better day, according to Vice-President Kamala Harris during the signing ceremony at the White House.

The West African Research Center (WARC) chose to celebrate the momentous decision and event with the screening of the feature film Harriet (Kasi Lemmons Director, 2020) based « on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American Freedom Fighter. Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and her transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Haunted by memories of those she left behind, Harriet ventured back into dangerous territory on a mission to lead others to freedom. With allies like abolitionist William Still and several others, Harriet risks capture and death to guide hundreds to safety as one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad ». Harriet Tubman « defied the impossible to change the course of her life and the fate of a nation« .

The screening, which took place on Thursday, June 24^th, was unanimously praised as a great initiative and contribution from WARC and attended by 15 people (in-person and via Zoom).