2 days ago
GR museum director: Juneteenth ‘catalyst' for awareness, equality
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As Juneteenth approaches, George A. Bayard III, executive director and curator of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, says the holiday can drive meaningful awareness, particularly in underrepresented fields like STEM.
Bayard said Juneteenth encourages deeper exploration into overlooked contributions of African Americans in science and technology, many of whom hailed from Michigan.
'We learn things every day here at the museum that we didn't know,' he said. 'It's amazing how many people we should know about but don't.'
He also reflected on the delayed enforcement of emancipation in Texas, where enslaved people remained unaware of their freedom long after the Emancipation Proclamation. Bayard said some slaveholders withheld the news for personal gain.
'Most of them, I assume, were greedy,' he said. 'They probably knew, but didn't feel obligated to tell their people.'
List: Juneteenth events in West Michigan 2025
Bayard noted that General Order No. 3, delivered by Union General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas, went further than the Emancipation Proclamation by declaring former slaves equal.
'That's not in the Emancipation Proclamation,' he said.
Amid rising criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Bayard urged communities to protect Juneteenth's legacy by recognizing its broader significance.
'It's not just an African-American event,' he said. 'It's overwhelmingly an American thing.'
He encouraged individuals to research, ask questions, and view Juneteenth as part of the nation's collective history.
'The answers are there. You just have to do a little digging,' Bayard said.
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