Song of the day:
Image by Society for Public Health Education
Juneteenth
What is it?
“Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as ‘Juneteenth,’ by the newly freed people in Texas.” (Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture)
Now, the day stands as a testament to and a celebration of the unyielding spirit of a people.
Resources and more info here.
As a non-Black person, what can I do to celebrate without being disrespectful?
This is not a holiday for us, but many have the day off and may treat it like any other holiday. Don’t be those people.
From a 2022 NPR interview: “White people should celebrate this holiday in the way that centers Black Americans. What I mean by that is, if your celebration looks like taking away or speaking over Black Americans and how they're choosing to celebrate and how they're choosing to stand in their truth, then I don't think that's actually celebrating alongside Black Americans. Just don't interrupt Black folks who are just trying to have a great time.”
Here are a few other thoughts on how to support and celebrate the Black community on Juneteenth (and every other day of the year, too).
Educate yourself on Black history and culture.
Attend local Juneteenth events.
Center Black voices on social media and elsewhere - repost on your socials, share articles, let others speak, listen.
Read Black authors, Black poets; listen to Black musicians, Black speakers, Black comedians.
Visit a Black museum or culturally significant site.
Support Black organizations both locally and nationally as you can.
Talk about what you’re doing and encourage other white people to join you or take their own journey. It will take all of us to dismantle systemic racism, especially in the current political climate.
A few folks I follow online who have great information to share:
Heather Irobunda, M.D. - Instagram
Racial Equity Insights - Instagram
Sunn m’Chaux - Instagram
Blair Imani - Instagram
Video of the day:
https://open.substack.com/pub/poetpastor/p/we-have-survived-before?r=5gejob&utm_medium=ios