small-logo
ProfessionalsCapabilitiesInsights & NewsCareersLocations
About UsAlumniOpportunity & InclusionPro BonoCorporate Social Responsibility
Stay Connected:
facebookinstagramlinkedintwitteryoutube
  1. Life at Winston

Blog

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Historian Annette Gordon-Reed Helps Winston Celebrate and Commemorate Juneteenth

  • PDFPDF
    • Email
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Share this page
  • PDFPDF
    • Email
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Share this page

Blog

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Historian Annette Gordon-Reed Helps Winston Celebrate and Commemorate Juneteenth

  • PDFPDF
    • Email
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Share this page

1 Min Read

Related Topics

Opportunity & Inclusion
Affinity Group

Related Regions

North America

June 22, 2021

On June 18, Winston & Strawn’s Chairman Tom Fitzgerald kicked off the firm’s Juneteenth celebration by introducing Harvard Law School Professor, noted historian and author of On Juneteenth—Annette Gordon-Reed. Chicago Partner Cardelle Spangler then led an engaging and educational Q&A session with Professor Gordon-Reed.

Juneteenth was born in 1865 when Union Army General Gordon Granger announced that the Civil War was over and proclaimed the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas—the last Confederate state with institutional slavery.

When asked why people outside of Texas should care about Juneteenth, Professor Gordon-Reed said that ending slavery was for the good of all of mankind and General Granger’s proclamation on June 19, 1865, was an important step in that process.

Professor Gordon-Reed also said that while Juneteenth is a special day for many Black people, because it is deeply personal, it should be a day of celebration for Blacks and non-Blacks alike. She suggested celebrating the day with family and food and taking time to think about the meaning of the day. 

She concluded by noting that despite the current state of rising white nationalism, she is optimistic because we all have the potential to make things better and, in the past, people have been able to move the needle towards greater justice.

This special presentation was sponsored by Winston & Strawn’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and our Black Lawyers Network. Learn more about our diversity initiatives here.

Related Professionals

Related Professionals

Sylvia James

Cardelle Spangler

Sylvia James

Cardelle Spangler

This entry has been created for information and planning purposes. It is not intended to be, nor should it be substituted for, legal advice, which turns on specific facts.

Logo
facebookinstagramlinkedintwitteryoutube

Copyright © 2025. Winston & Strawn LLP

AlumniCorporate Transparency Act Task ForceDEI Compliance Task ForceEqual Rights AmendmentLaw GlossaryThe Oval UpdateWinston MinutePrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyFraud & Scam AlertsNoticesSubscribeAttorney Advertising