Juneteenth has held importance in the souls of Black Americans since the summer of 1865.
The emancipation of slaves on June 19th of that year brings forth bittersweet moments — the sigh of relief from obtaining ‘freedom’ and the resentment of having ancestors be subjected to hate, discrimination and inhumane treatment. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation to free enslaved Black Americans; however, in Galveston, Texas, those enslaved did not learn of their freedom until two years later.
Although an order was given to inform enslaved Black Americans of their freedom, members of Galveston, Texas, ignored the directive and were later ordered to follow suit. However, the harsh reality is that many Black Americans still face adaptations of the aforementioned as we continue to fight for conditional ‘freedom.’ This is a reminder of the manipulation and lack of humanistic treatment Black Americans have faced and continue to face in a country willing to fight to silence us.
The chilling truth is that society uses misinformation and disinformation to align outcomes with harmful agendas, even though it silences others.
As an educator, researcher, advocate and Black being, I recognize my responsibility to engage in discussions, programming, training, and efforts related to creating a fair and just society, often not granted to those with silenced identities. I am charged to engage in educating populations about the experiences of those who were and still are historically excluded. These discussions are difficult, leaving leaders of intentional change scratching their heads in wonder, trying to understand why the rest of the world is resistant to change and acknowledging the irrefutable harm Black people have experienced because of America’s racism.
For hundreds of years, enslaved Black Americans waited for solutions, understanding, and the promise of ‘freedom.’ I’ve witnessed communities and their members die waiting for the promises of a new beginning, respect and equality. Unfortunately, with the rollback of laws, policies, practices and all things DEI, many are left to wait.
Striking actions from the government and corporations of all levels are targeting resources, neighborhoods and relics of Black culture in an attempt to erase the legacies created in spite of supremacist’s countless efforts to praise plantations that have burned (Nottaway Resort and Kalorama Mansion), cutting funding for museums of fact, history, and reality, while claiming these actions are to strengthen American society using “merit,” “excellence” and “intelligence” as an excuse for ridding DEI, but they never addresses how Black folks with those qualities and skills were never accepted and often questioned.
However, these accounts closely resemble the disinformation Galveston disseminated to those enslaved, when they were ‘free.’ Social media commentators winced and whined about Juneteenth’s inception as a federal holiday in 2021, questioning the historical significance — often asking Black folks to be ‘appreciative’ of the holiday, while telling us to ‘get over’ the past. But seldom do I see or hear anyone question why this holiday had to exist.
Those pushing for history to be forgotten are not quick to ask why Black humans were forced into capture (these actions supported by laws not created by us), used as capital, labor and breeders, as if this was acceptable behavior. Noting, the same systems that created harm are retelling lies until they become acceptable truths and reprimanding advocates who call out oppressive systems and the players who uphold ideologies still killing, hindering and destroying Black communities.
In June 2021, Congress passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making it a federal holiday. This is an exciting time for many, but a reminder that non-Black individuals will benefit from the “day off” with little to no understanding of what this means to Black communities and the ancestors of those who never experienced ‘Juneteenth’ prior to 1865.
As we approach this holiday, I note that the ‘American pride’ many will celebrate on July 4th could not be possible without noting the history of those who were bound by the mistreatment of slaveowners prior to June 19, 1865. In short, the freedom many enjoy was built by and on the backs of enslaved Black bodies. We can no longer celebrate “America’s Independence” without recognition of the enslaved who built independence and freedom they never experienced and often denied.
I remind each reader that although this holiday is recognized by the federal government, it is not a new celebration for Black Americans. Attending events around Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, or anywhere else must be connected to educational opportunities. In the words of a college professor in education, engaging and understanding a culture is more than “food, fun, and festival(s).”
For those who lack the understanding of this holiday, locate resources (articles, podcasts, books, educators, activists, historians, etc.) that challenge you to decenter yourself, listen, ask questions for clarity, and be a consumer of knowledge. The work aligned with Juneteenth is not for entertainment or to be centered once a year (this includes other heritage months as well). This is an opportunity to understand the experiences and histories of those impacted and to provide education for generations to come.
Oftentimes, the difficult realities of America’s past and present are silenced, diluted, and in many cases, subjected to erasure. To those celebrating Juneteenth and providing opportunities to be educated, thank you. To those who are attending events to show support and not be performative, thank you. To those who are showing up to celebrate their Black identity and history, thank you.
Use this time to be intentional about the spaces you occupy and the people who will be impacted. As the old saying goes, if you don’t know history you are bound to repeat it. But I would like to expand this phrase by adding, if we allow others to retell, co-op or rewrite our history, we will never know the truth.
Take care and honor this day with intention.
Your #DEIHomegirl
