Nirdé’s presentation highlighted the many ways enslaved African Americans pursued freedom and self-emancipation in the 1860’s. From the United States Colored Troops fighting for their own liberation, to the safe havens in North Carolina such as Hotel De’Afrique, as well as the initial celebrations of Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas and its longstanding impact on the state of North Carolina. Nirdé provided many detailed primary sources in her presentation and interacted with the audience by answering their questions.
Nirdé’s talk on the history of Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of this holiday and how NC African American Heritage Commission aims to preserve this history for future generations in our state.