Roar Enterprises & The Wright Place Present
FREEDOM'S
JOURNEY
A Juneteenth Conversation
Free Admission June 3, 2026 Madison, WI
Limited seating: 300 in-person | 500 livestream spots. Registration closes when full.
Why It Matters
A Holiday That Almost Wasn't
Before Juneteenth was a federal holiday, it was a dream — kept alive by communities, activists, and one extraordinary woman who refused to stop walking. On June 3, you have the rare chance to sit with the people who made history and hear the story of freedom in their own words.
Living History
Hear directly from the woman whose tireless advocacy helped transform Juneteenth from a regional commemoration into America's newest federal holiday.
Deep Understanding
A leading historian unpacks the promise, the pain, and the continuing meaning of June 19, 1865 — and what it demands of us today.
Community Gathering
More than a lecture — a shared moment for Madison to come together, ask questions, and carry the conversation forward.
Program Highlights
What to Expect
- Featured Conversation — An in-depth dialogue with Ms. Opal Lee on her lifelong fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday.
- Historical Presentation — Dr. Charles Taylor traces the history and enduring promise of Juneteenth through the lens of his landmark work.
- Audience Q&A — Submit your questions and engage directly with both speakers in an open conversation.
- Reception — After the program, join other attendees for informal conversation and community connection.
- Livestream Option — Can't be there in person? Join the full event online with up to 500 virtual seats available.
Featured Speakers
The Voices Behind the Journey
Historian & Filmmaker
Dr. Charles "Chuck" Taylor
A historian, educator, filmmaker, and author of Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom, Dr. Taylor brings deep scholarship and passionate storytelling to the history of Black freedom in America. His work has helped audiences across the country understand not just what Juneteenth is, but what it means.
The Grandmother of Juneteenth
Ms. Opal Lee
At age 89, Ms. Opal Lee began walking 2.5 miles to symbolize the 2.5 years enslaved people waited after the Emancipation Proclamation to learn they were free. Her decades of advocacy — including her walks, her petitions, and her unwavering spirit — helped lead to Juneteenth becoming a U.S. federal holiday in 2021. She is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Juneteenth is more than a celebration — it is a reminder that freedom in America has always been a journey.— Dr. Charles "Chuck" Taylor
Event Details
Plan Your Visit
Date
June 3, 2026
Time
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Venue
Monona Terrace Convention and Community Center-Lecture Hall
Address
One John Noland Dr., Madison, WI
Admission
Free — Registration Required
Format
In-Person & Livestream
Reserve Your Seat
Don't Miss Your Place in History
Admission is completely free, but space is strictly limited. Registration closes the moment seats are filled — don't wait.
In-Person Seats
Livestream Seats
Click the button or scan the QR code on the flyer above. Both in-person and virtual options are available at registration.
Community Partners
Co-Sponsors Welcome
Churches, community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions are invited to serve as co-sponsors and help bring this important Juneteenth conversation to as many people as possible. Sponsorship packets are available upon request.
To learn more about sponsorship benefits and how to get involved:
drchucktaylor@gmail.com