Celebrated annually on June 19, Juneteenth marks the day Texas slaves received word they were free. On June 19, 1865, federal troops landed in Galveston to enforce the Final Emancipation Proclamation. The day remains a shared celebration for the United States' "second independence day".
Juneteenth is a day for reflection and celebration. The holiday signifies the injustice that built the U.S. and continues today. It is also a moment to celebrate resistance, perseverance and unity. Now more than ever, Juneteenth is a call to action; a reminder that we are not free until all of us are free.
We celebrated in true KVRX style: with a playlist. Here are some songs our staff listened to this Juneteenth: (catch the full playlist at the bottom of the page)
DJ MamaCD:
Funkadelic is iconic and such a crucial part of the funk genre; this is one of their greatest hits and for a reason!! It’s just so good ahh!
DJ loganator:
Sly Stone is a maestro of funk, social justice giant and one of my personal favorite musicians of all time. He died earlier this month, so I’ve been bumping his music a lil extra, and it always feels soooo right.
DJ John F. Spinnedy:
Originally inspired by Cooke's entourage being turned away from a whites-only motel, I feel that this song is needed today just as much as it was originally in 1964. As adverse as the social context of this release may be though, what a beautiful song to pay homage to a brighter future. I truly feel like no other musician does it better than Sam Cooke.
DJ flatline:
Minority Threat is a black queer hardcore punk band coming out of Ohio. This song specifically is heavily charged with antiestablishment sentiments, which I think is very appropriate for the time we’re in right now
DJ needs a hobby:
Still celebrating the Cowboy Carter's Album of the Year win! My queen can never be outdone.
DJ doodlebug:
If you listen to hip hop, you gotta know these guys! I wish I could put every song from the album on here, but I won't do that to you guys. This is my favorite track because it's a masterclass in socially conscious lyrics. Gang Starr changed the game!
DJ doodlebug (pt 2):
Another album I wish I could put here in full. Timeless song by a generational talent; what more do I need to say? Sit with this track/album for a little bit; you won't regret it.
full playlist: