Community Connection – June 15 2026 – Tina Cosby welcomes Sam Finkelstein – Emily Mirasco – LaMar Campbell – Kaila Austin – Dr. Theron Williams

**Celebrating Juneteenth and Uncovering Hidden Histories**

First up on today’s show with Tina, Sam Finkelstein, Founder and CEO of Legal Prep Charter Academies along with Principal, Emily Mirasco.  A little later in the show, we’re diving into the rich history of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Our guests, Lamar Campbell, Award Winning International Gospel Music Recording Artist, Host of Sunday Praise w/LaMar Campbell, Music Minister, Mount Carmel Church, Indianapolis. Kayla Austin, Project Lead Southside U.S. Colored Troops Coalition, share their insights on the significance of this holiday and the importance of preserving the stories of the US Colored Troops, who played a crucial role in the Civil War. We also explore the fascinating history of the South Side US Colored Troops Coalition, which has been working tirelessly to document and preserve the stories of these brave soldiers and their families.

In this episode, we’re joined by Reverend Doctor Darren Williams, who shares his thoughts on the importance of oral history and the need to preserve the stories of our ancestors. We also hear from Josephine, a local artist who offers to draw portraits of our listeners, and from Officer William Oliver, who shares his thoughts on the curse of Ham and the impact of mistranslated scripture on our understanding of history. Our conversation is filled with stories of resilience, courage, and the power of community.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we’re reminded of the importance of preserving our history and passing it down to future generations. The South Side US Colored Troops Coalition is doing just that, through their work in documenting and preserving the stories of the US Colored Troops and their families. We’re grateful for their efforts and for the opportunity to share their stories with our listeners.

Join us as we explore the fascinating history of Juneteenth and the US Colored Troops. Listen to this episode to learn more about the significance of this holiday and the importance of preserving our history. Don’t miss this powerful conversation and the stories of resilience and courage that will leave you inspired and motivated.

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