Juneteenth, the Beginning
January 1, 1863 to June 19, 1865. That’s the time in between President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which freed all enslaved people in the country and the date that the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom. Two and a half years. This, of course, was not an accident. Much effort was made to prevent them from learning they had been emancipated, and it was done for all the cruel reasons you'd expect. "The delayed nature of the first Juneteenth… is, sadly, indicative of the way justice reaches -or doesn’t reach- marginalized peoples."1 There could not be a more fitting parallel to the cultural moment we find ourselves in today, where a long 155 years later, we’re only just beginning to reckon with all the vestiges of our nation’s shameful history of slavery and white supremacy that endure unchecked.
I am proud that my organization has recognized Juneteenth as an official company holiday and is asking us to learn, connect, and celebrate. It is just one hopeful step towards the federal government doing the same. Nevertheless, it’s so important that both as individuals and businesses, we not only join in this long overdue celebration of Black history and excellence, but do so as we personally commit to the hard work and relentless action needed to eradicate the ways justice and equity continue to be denied. Many of our nation's gravest problems do not stem from lack of awareness. I would venture to say that by now, especially in matters of racial injustice and systemic racism, we know absolutely everything that is wrong, from our backyards to our boardrooms. We’ve got all the research and BIPOC have been sounding the alarm for centuries. More must not be asked of them, and a tepid response of any kind is simply unacceptable.
Truly answering these calls to action in a meaningful way is not going to be something that happens on our respective company LinkedIn page, our personal Facebook, Instagram, Twitter accounts, or any digital locale like them. No, we will not be able to "plug in, turn on, and cop out.”2 It's also not likely to take place at the next diversity town hall or the feel-good togetherness vigil we may attend in our town. That's not to say these public shows of solidarity don't have their place. What I do know is that for those trying, at times imperfectly, to be allies, these displays are only effective if taken as marching orders, not simply Kumbaya moments. No ceremonial act or performance is likely to dispel the kind of grief so many Americans feel. Not even close.
Yet there is still cause for happiness, even if, as in the first Juneteenth, it has been unfairly delayed for so many. There is joy for the greatness of Black American culture we should celebrate today and everyday. It is heartening watching the flimsy excuses for the perpetuation of injustice and inequality crumble under the weight of their own inherent fraudulence. It took far too long, and make no mistake, it is happening only because of centuries of sacrifice and effort by Black/BIPOC individuals and groups. Still, it is not enough. Nothing changes until we destruct the systems and realities that intentionally perpetuate injustice. We must all finally stand together, and always be willing to stand up for one another - in big and small ways, both behind the scenes and in public, using our various professional and corporate platforms. We can change, but we must seize this moment that has been created and do it now. This generation. Boldly and with demands. Minute by minute, person by person, brick by brick until, together, we’ve laid a path to opportunity that is safe and even for all.
1. Berlin, Eva. "Juneteenth is Here It’s Cause for Celebration for All Americans." medium.com, June 18, 2019
2. Scott-Heron, Gil. "The Revolution will not be Televised”
~I know I promised some action items. Check the links below:
Take Action - Volunteer, Donate, Shop Black Businesses
Celebrate! The foods of Juneteenth
Share articles to raise Juneteenth awareness (and learn about Ms. Opal Lee)
Sign Ms. Opal Lee's petition to Juneteenth a national holiday