AUBURN, Ala. – Socially distanced in the stands of Plainsman Park, Auburn's football and men's basketball teams lunched, listened and learned a history lesson about Juneteenth.
Standing behind home plate, Dr. Derryn Moten, chair of the history and political science department at Alabama State University, taught about the day 155 years ago when a Union Army general arrived in Galveston, Texas, 71 days after the end of the Civil War, to proclaim that all enslaved persons in Texas were now free.
"Juneteenth is now considered the longest continuous celebration of Black freedom in this country," Dr. Moten told the student-athletes and coaches. "It's significant for that reason."
Dr. Moten elaborated on the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, and the 14th Amendment, which ruled that all people born in the United States are U.S. citizens, nullifying the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision.
It was an absolute honor to listen and learn from Dr. Derryn Moten at today's Juneteenth celebration.
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) June 19, 2020
"Freedom is a constant struggle," Dr. Moten said. "Even though Gen. Granger announced the freedom of those enslaved persons in Texas, in practical terms we still struggle in this country for full freedom and full citizenship, by which I mean to have the laws of the United States apply equally to all citizens of the United States."
Auburn head football coach Gus Malzahn organized the luncheon and invited Dr. Moten to address his team.
"Really appreciate Dr. Moten educating us on Juneteenth," Malzahn said. "I know our players and coaches were very engaged."
In a question-and-answer session after Dr. Moten's lecture, senior linebacker K.J. Britt asked why more aspects of African American history are not covered more extensively in textbooks.
"We have to demand it," Dr. Moten replied. "But more importantly, we have to write the history books."
"It's eye-opening, the struggles we went through that are unseen and aren't really talked about," Britt said, expressing appreciation for the educational opportunity. "A lot of people are opening their eyes. It's huge to be around people who are willing to learn and accept another culture for something they really didn't know about."
Britt, one of Auburn football's leaders, summarized the message he hopes to use his platform to communicate.
"Unity across the board," he said. "From one race to another. If we can have unity, then we can be all right."
Auburn's Gus Malzahn greets Alabama State University history chair Dr. Derryn Moten
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer