O Freedom

Winner of the B. A. Botkin Prize for a First Book in American Folklore (American Comparative Literature Association) and received an honorable mention for the Chicago Folklore Prize (University of Chicago).

O, Freedom! is the first full scholarly treatment of not only Juneteenth, but also May 28, August 9, January 1, and other dates that were regionally celebrated as "emancipation day" in America. This lively account traces the evolution of emancipation celebrations from early slave festivals to twentieth-century offshoots like Black History Month and Martin Luther King Day. Wiggins describes the dramatic proclamation readings, historical pageants, colorful parades, all-night barbecues, exciting ballgames, and a myriad of other customs and rituals with which people of color have celebrated their freedom. He analyzes the historical, symbolic, and political significance of these celebrations.

“A lucid and interesting account of the numerous ‘Emancipation Day’ holidays long celebrated by black Americans. . . . readable, interesting, useful, and important.” —S. Cresswell, Choice

“This is an engaging study of a significant yet neglected aspect of American social, cultural, and political history.” —Michael Kammen, New York History

“Basing his analysis on fieldwork and solid historical research, Wiggins gives a vivid portrayal of a celebration of ethnic pride in all its diversity. Though varied over time and space, the celebratory message of freedom from slavery comes through clearly. Activities—singing, dancing, speechmaking—are described. Interesting illustrations, posters, programs, buttons, photographs support this intimate, carefully produced book.” —David S. Azzolina, Library Journal

“Wiggins has combined painstaking research and detailed interviews with a relaxed, readable writing style to produce a richly textured and fascinating account of a little-known slice of Americana.” —Martha Southgate

"A valuable contribution to Afro-American history . . . describes the author’s thousands of miles of travel . . . in order to understand the emancipation celebrations and to capture the different flavors of celebrations from Texas to Indiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Georgia. The account of his travels is lively, inviting, scholarly, and earthy. His research and writing point to an obvious conclusion: emancipation celebrations are alive and well.” —G. W. Reid, North Carolina Historical Review