By Gus Bennett
Juneteenth Street Portraits 2025, New Orleans
BEFORE THE CELEBRATION DRUMS ECHOED IN CONGO SQUARE. Before the smell of food trucks and the pulse of brass bands filled the air. Before the sun lengthened shadows on the ground on Juneteenth this year, Len photojournalist Gus Bennett set out to do something different.
Over the course of several hours, before most of the city even finished their morning coffee, Bennett sat down with eight individuals and one family. Each had their own rhythm, their own cadence, their own truth, as they responded to one question:
“Why is Juneteenth important to you — and to us as a nation?”
The answers stretched across generations and geographies of the soul — stories of Black New Orleans in this moment, stitched together by history, faith, frustration, hope, and pride. One elder spoke of freedom still being unfinished. A young teacher reflected on what it means to shape free minds in a system that often feels bound. A mother talked about raising Black sons with love and fear in equal measure. A teenager said she just wanted to be seen.
In an era where visibility is often reduced to a scroll or a soundbite, these moments from New Orleans Juneteenth stood still — grounded in presence, in listening, in legacy.
Charity “Lucky” Smith
Moved to New Orleans from Harlem
“Juneteenth is important because it’s our freedom — it’s the proclamation of our freedom. Over 250,000 people were emancipated just 160 years ago. That’s not that long ago. We’re still that close to slavery, and in many ways, we’re still in the system.
As it relates to diversity and inclusion, we have to keep reminding the world that we only just got out — and we’re still fighting to stay out.
That’s why we have to be loud. You know the saying: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Well, we need the oil. We need the resources, the recognition, and the right to thrive. That’s why Juneteenth matters — every year, every day.”
State Rep. Matthew Willard
Comes from a family of public servants
“Juneteenth is a day where we celebrate our freedom — our people, our culture, our history. It’s about honoring how far we’ve come and recognizing how far we still need to go.
This day is special because it brings us together. It reminds us to join forces, to keep pushing forward, and to build the future we all deserve. My hope for New Orleans is that we continue working together — side by side — to make this city everything we know it can be.”
Dr. Shenitria Myles
Professor in the English department at Delgado Community College
“To me, Juneteenth is the embodiment of New Orleans — a city shaped by African American culture, resilience, and creativity.
In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack, this Juneteenth reminds us that our story cannot be erased. Our presence matters. Our contribution matters. And we must continue to celebrate and protect both.”
Mario Myles
Special-education teacher and tattoo artist
“Juneteenth is important because knowledge of our past helps us stay rooted in the present and prepare for the future.
As a young Black man in America, I believe it’s vital that we remember where we come from — not just for our own sense of identity, but for the generations coming behind us. Understanding our history gives us the power to grow, to resist, and to keep building toward what’s next.”
Dr. Irvin Robins Jr.
Lifelong civil-rights advocate
“Juneteenth marks a significant shift for African Americans and people of color — not just in America, but around the world.
I’ve been part of the struggle since I was nine years old. I’m 77 now. I’ve served as director of Civil Rights for the NAACP in Louisiana and worked across the country to fight for justice and equality. Right now, we need to come back together. We’ve lost touch with each other in many ways, and it’s urgent that we reconnect.”
Tracey Robinson
Cultural educator, working toward a master’s degree in urban and regional planning
“Juneteenth is a milestone.
It’s not where we began — and it’s not where we’re going to end — but it’s an important step along the journey. It reminds us, as people of color, of how close we are to becoming the best versions of ourselves.”
Randi Brown
Professional athlete, playing basketball overseas
“Sometimes we forget our own majesty. We lose sight of how powerful we are — how special our melanin, our features, our culture truly are.
And while some try to label us ‘too much’ or ‘different,’ those same people are constantly trying to copy what we do and who we are. We are the standard. We are the blueprint. And we’ve got to stop letting the world convince us otherwise.”
The Morris-Ivory Family
Diana Morris, Mother
“Juneteenth is important to our country because it reminds African Americans where we came from — and helps us understand where we’re going. It gives us the chance to appreciate the strides we’ve made, while also recommitting ourselves as a community to keep getting better. It’s both a celebration and a challenge to grow.”
Dijohn Ivory, Daughter, age 18
“It’s important because Juneteenth empowers Black people — and we need that strength and that knowledge. We need to know it. We need to claim it.”
Trenae Morris, Daughter, age 9
“My little Black Girl Magic is important because Black girls should be treated right — and know they’re important. And why am I beautiful? I’m beautiful because I’m Black.”