Cape Girardeau, MO – The Cape Girardeau Juneteenth Committee is proud to welcome home one of its own, Dr. Charles A. Taylor, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration at Iver Square. The event will be held on Saturday, June 21, and promises to be a highlight of the region’s commemorative events.
Dr. Taylor’s homecoming is especially significant as it coincides with the release of his powerful new book, Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom. The book explores the deep roots of Black history, from the origins of humanity, and the rise of African civilizations to the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for justice in America.
A man of humble beginnings, Dr. Taylor grew up in Cape Girardeau’s far southside community known as Smelterville, the son of the late Ollie and Inez Taylor. He attended May Greene Elementary School and is a proud graduate of Cape Central High School and Southeast Missouri State University, before going on to build a distinguished career as a professor, academic dean, filmmaker, and national voice on race relations and African American history.
A retired professor and academic dean, Dr. Taylor is widely credited with helping to shape the national movement that led to Juneteenth being recognized as a federal holiday. His body of work spans more than a dozen books, including the acclaimed novel Lakeside University Cover Up, and several award-winning documentaries such as Decade of Discontent and Leaders of Madison’s Black Renaissance. He is also the founder and president of Roar Enterprises, a consulting firm focused on promoting accurate Black history and improving race relations.
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is more than a moment—it’s a movement,” says Dr. Taylor. “My goal is to elevate awareness of the forces that have shaped the African Diaspora while celebrating the enduring spirit of Juneteenth. Knowing the truth is the first step toward justice.”
Dr. Taylor’s keynote will serve not only as a reflection on history but as a clarion call for unity, education, and action. The Juneteenth celebration in Cape Girardeau will feature music, cultural performances, and local vendors, all culminating in Dr. Taylor’s keynote address.
This year’s celebration is a powerful reminder that Juneteenth is not just about commemorating the end of slavery, but about renewing the ongoing fight for freedom, equity, and truth.
