Juneteenth

About the Book

Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom reveals the missing chapters of history, taking you from Africa’s great empires to the long fight for justice in America. More than a holiday, Juneteenth represents centuries of resistance and resilience. This book challenges the Eurocentric version of history, centering Black voices and exposing how Africa’s thriving civilizations were destroyed, its people enslaved and their contributions appropriated. From the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to America’s repeated failures to choose equality, this gripping narrative reshapes our understanding of U.S. history. Through meticulous research and powerful storytelling, Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom connects the past to the present, showing how Black Americans have always fought for their freedom, and how that fight continues today. If you’re ready to uncover hidden truths and embrace Black history as central to the human story, this book is for you. Knowing the truth is the first step toward justice.

About the Author

Dr. Charles A. Taylor is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and consultant whose work has profoundly shaped the understanding and celebration of Juneteenth across the United States. A lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion, Dr. Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. His first book on Juneteenth was distributed to governors across the country, helping to inspire state-level recognition of this historic day and gaining endorsements from key national Juneteenth organizations. Dr. Taylor is the author of over a dozen books, including Lakeside University Cover Up, his highly acclaimed novel that helps students navigate complex racial issues in creative ways. His latest work on Juneteenth continues his mission to honor the legacy of freedom and resilience, providing readers with a deep historical perspective and a call to action for the future. Known for his ability to weave compelling narratives with actionable insights, Dr. Taylor’s writing bridges the gap between history and modern social justice movements. As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Taylor has delivered keynote addresses on Juneteenth and African American history at our country’s leading colleges, universities, and communities nationwide. He was recently the keynote speaker at the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation’s Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. His passionate presentations have educated and inspired audiences of all ages, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost voices on Juneteenth and its enduring significance. Beyond his writing and speaking, Dr. Taylor’s contributions to the fight for justice and equity include producing award-winning documentaries like Decade of Discontent and Leaders of Madison’s Black Renaissance, hosting innovative diversity initiatives such as the Diversity Institute on Wheels, and mentoring the next generation of leaders through programs like (AHANA)-African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American Student Leadership Conferences. Dr. Taylor is considered an expert on Black History and holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin– Madison, where he majored in Curriculum and Instruction. He is a retired professor, dean, and founder of Roar Enterprises Inc., a consulting firm that fosters diversity, project management, and Black history presentations nationwide. His community has given him many awards, including the Urban League’s highest award and the City/County Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Dr. Taylor advocates for understanding Juneteenth’s legacy and building a more inclusive future through his books, films, speeches, and community work. For more about Dr. Taylor and his work, visit www.drcharlestaylor.com.