Juneteenth- Our Celebration of Freedom

On this fourth of July, I am reminded that freedom does not come at the same time for all. For my people, “freedom” came in 1865 almost 100 years after America gained freedom from the British.

Today, we still fight for the freedom to be treated equally and not be persecuted because of the color of our skin. The photos below show two Juneteenth celebrations in Minneapolis, MN. I was asked to photograph Juneteenth celebrations around the Twin Cities for the New York Times. As I shot this work, I was reminded of the resiliency of my people and that when we get together it is joyous, reflective, and inspiring.

#Juneteenth #4thofJuly #Freedomforall #portraits

All images: Andrea Ellen Reed for the New York Times.

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