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Virginia Stewart Miller leads the crowd in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” commonly referred to as the “Black National Anthem,” at the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.

In the shadow of Texas limits on voting rights and lessons about race in school, Juneteenth celebrates Black history, progress and families

Amid a rise in conservative efforts opposed to teaching the lingering impacts of slavery and racism, the descendants of formerly enslaved people are using the Juneteenth holiday to educate younger generations.

Attendees listen to speakers at the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.
Extended family hug during the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.
Signs detailing the known family trees of the 14 original families to found St. John Colony are displayed at the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.
Cowboys hold a Pan-African flag and an American flag while riding horses during the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.
Brittney Franks portions out peach pie at the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.
Members of the Hemphill and Walker family chat during the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.
Children play in a bounce house at the St. John Colony Juneteenth celebration in Dale on June 18, 2022.

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