A Celebration Long Overdue: A Reflection on Juneteenth from a Tulsa Native

Juneteenth. It wasn't a word in my vocabulary growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here, in the heart of what was once Black Wall Street, the silence around this holiday spoke volumes. Segregation wasn't just some abstract concept in the 60s and 70s – it was the air I breathed. I remember the awkward shuffling of feet when my class was finally integrated in junior high, the tension that hung heavy for months. Back then, Black history was a footnote, and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 – well, that was a story buried deep.

But stories have a way of resurfacing, and Juneteenth finally brought that buried truth to light for me. Here we were, celebrating freedom on the very ground where Black prosperity was so brutally crushed. It's a sobering reminder that freedom for some wasn't freedom for all.

Freedom Shouldn't Have an Asterisk

June 19th, 1865 – that's the day the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. Let that sink in. True American freedom, for all, wasn't a reality until then. Juneteenth allows us to acknowledge that uncomfortable truth, but also to celebrate the day that promise finally became a reality, even if delayed.

A Unifying Thread in the American Tapestry

I know some folks worry about "identity politics" these days. But Juneteenth isn't about division. It's about recognizing the struggles that shaped this country, the triumphs we've achieved together, and the unfinished business that remains. We all benefit from a more complete understanding of American history, and Juneteenth is a piece of that story that deserves a place of honor in our national identity.

A Time for Reflection and Celebration

Juneteenth is a chance to celebrate the progress we've made, but it's also a reminder that the fight for equality continues. There's still work to be done, but Juneteenth shows us what's possible when we work together. It's a day for reflection on our past, celebration of our progress, and recommitment to building a more just and equitable future for all.

Now, some folks might romanticize integration. Let me tell you, back in the day, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. There were fights, tensions, and a lot of fear on both sides. I remember kids of both races creating weapons, makeshift things out of wood and metal shop, in that confused, angry energy. Parents pulled their children out of schools, the whole system was under strain. It wasn't easy, but looking back, it was necessary.

So, to my fellow Americans, especially those who might be hesitant about Juneteenth, I say this: Embrace the celebration. Learn about its history. It's a story that belongs to all of us.

Together, let's make Juneteenth a day of unity and understanding, a true reflection of the best of America, even in the city that witnessed one of its darkest chapters.