This is a day to celebrate freedom from slavery that abolitionists and slaves fought their lives for and is an incredibly important date to celebrate. In 1865, slaves in Texas found out that they were free on this day two years after the Civil War ended.
The fact that there are states that do not celebrate the end of slavery is unacceptable because these states clearly are protecting racist policies. Some states even choose to celebrate confederate holidays over emancipation due to their deep ties to white supremacy.
This day is just as important as the 4th of July but there are states and people who don’t support it because they are racist. Racism runs deep and so does the need to control. These states still cling to the need to oppress.
Black Americans should not face any racism but it is rampant and deadly whether it be through law enforcement killing with impunity, unethical laws, unequal healthcare access and practices, pollution, lack of basic resources like water, educational inequalities, and inequitable housing policies that create homelessness.
What can you do to help?
Call out racism when you see it.
Support Black-owned businesses.
Educate yourself about Juneteenth and share.
Listen and believe the Black community when they call out racism and offer your support and action.
The History of Juneteenth
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Juneteenth
NAACP: Juneteenth
Articles to read and share
Newsweek: Acknowledging Juneteenth Isn’t Enough. The Military Must Advocate for Change
The Guardian: As Juneteenth grows in US, southern states cling to Confederate holidays
Miami Herald: Juneteenth celebrations happen throughout Miami
May the whole world be free.
Protest
Vote 3rd party
Never give up your rights
BE UNGOVERNABLE
Disrupt everything
Boycott
Donate
Demand sanctions and embargoes for Israel, US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, RSF, UAE, Russia, SAF, M23, and Rwanda.
Please extend your energy to other countries and people facing atrocities and genocide in Palestine, Sudan, DRC, Haiti, West Papua, the Rohingyas, Armenians, and the Uyghurs.