Habari Gani? The Swahili words that mean “What’s the news?” are often associated with the Kwanzaa holiday. However, this month, as we near the celebration of Juneteenth, I invite you to join me in contemplating another perspective on this question.
Spring is here — a season of renewal, growth and preparation. This time last year as we welcomed in the spring, not only were we dealing with the uncertainties of COVID-19, but we were nearing the day when we witnessed the untimely and unexplainable murder of George Floyd. His death rocked our nation and was the catalyst of another season — one of activism, demands for change, Black unity and pride.
The unity and pride that was strengthened was palpable and as we neared Juneteenth in 2020. It was indeed a renewed and enhanced celebration of Black culture. People all over celebrated by tweeting, posting and talking about Juneteenth. The energy surrounding the celebration prompted even me to get my Juneteenth T-shirts made by a local Black woman vendor.
So why the newfound or elevated energy around Juneteenth? Well, many people were just now hearing the news! What news? The news that our ancestors have been trying to tell us for centuries, the news that the oppressor doesn’t want us to understand — that indeed Black Lives Matter and that we are amazingly resilient, royal and free! Let’s take a quick walk back into the history of Juneteenth.
June 19, 1865, is the day celebrated around the United States by Black Americans as Freedom or Emancipation Day. While only 14 states observe it as a public holiday, it is a day that I now pause and commit to reflect on one simple question: What freedom am I waiting for that I already have?
The fight for liberation shifted on April 9, 1865. I say shifted because we are still fighting a different type of enslavement these days, such as the disproportionate number of Black people imprisoned and the school-to-prison pipeline largely impacting Black youth. While the Civil War ended in April 1865, our enslaved people in Southern states such as Louisiana and Texas didn’t hear the news until two months later — news of their freedom that was purposely kept from them to keep them enslaved.
They had to wait for the news to arrive, and when it did on June 19, the already freed but still enslaved people were freed again. I can only imagine what it must have felt like to learn that for 60 additional days they endured the pain and trauma of being enslaved. I can only imagine how many died within those 60 days, not knowing they were actually free.
So, when I think back to June 2020, it felt almost like a revelation of Black pride, liberation and like a cultural celebration was occurring. The news had finally reached them, you, me!
As we approach the Juneteenth holiday this year, I challenge you to ask yourself what freedom you are waiting for that you already have. Do you boldly walk in your Black pride and freedom or are you operating from an enslaved mentality?
“No people to whom liberty is given can hold it as firmly and wear it as grandly as those who wrench their liberty from the iron hand of the tyrant.” -Frederick Douglass.
Our ancestors sacrificed, endured struggles, enslavement and death so that we might hold firm to our current liberation. We owe it to them to strengthen our grip through our activism and unity. Let Juneteenth 2021 be more than a celebration; let it be a recommitment to the movement to advance Black people, a reflective opportunity to honor your ancestors and a time to act on goals and dreams that you are already equipped to handle.
Habari Gani? What’s the news? You are the news, so take it forward and share it so that everyone you encounter gets the message of our liberation. Happy Juneteenth!
Dr. Khalilah A. Shabazz shares wisdom, lessons and insights on personal, social and societal issues of today. Contact her at shabazzk@iu.edu.
