KENTUCKY — This week on In Focus Kentucky, we’re talking about the history of Juneteenth, which is recognized as the historic celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It is also considered the longest-running African American holiday in the country.

Gerald Smith, Ph.D, is a professor in the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts and Sciences. From 1997-2005, he served as the director of the African American Studies and Research Program at UK. And along with being a professor of history in several subjects, he’s also an author and co-editor of five books. His most recent book explores Slavery and Freedom in Kentucky. 

Since 2011, Dr. Smith has served as pastor of the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky and during this segment, he discusses recommendations on how to celebrate Juneteenth, while also remembering to recognize the significance of Juneteenth to  African-American history.

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.