In the middle of our fighting for freedom we found ourselves daring to try for love across racial and sexual lines of vigilant taboo. In the middle of our fighting for freedom we found ourselves free beyond fear and beyond capitulation. – “for Audre” by June Jordan
In her poignant tribute “for Audre” to her late friend, fellow poet, and Black feminist Audre Lourde, the incandescent June Jordan reminds us that freedom is not merely a state of being but a praxis. Freedom as a practice in everyday life builds community across divides with love, care, struggle, imagination, sorrow, and solidarity. We cherish the unparalleled vision of these inspirational Black cultural icons and many others as African American and African Diaspora Studies Department and Institute for Research in African-American Studies (IRAAS) celebrate Juneteenth–a day that honors the determination and dedication of our ancestors.
