Thoughts on Juneteenth

The struggles for black freedom go back to the beginning of time. Wherever those of means, could hold control over those who did not. It does not matter what country, or what period of time in humanity’s history. Stories abound with the remnants of how lives were cut short, put in situations where they could never reach their potential. This is also the story of those suffering from mental illness. Mental illness as a result of horrific trauma and cruelty. Here in her version of the words, “God Bless the Child”, Billie Holiday, sings a very clear picture the of the injustice;?

“Them that's got shall have

Them that's not shall lose

So the Bible said and it still is news

Mama may have, Papa may have

But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own

Yes, the strong get smart

While the weak ones fade

Empty pockets don't ever make the grade

Mama may have, Papa may have

But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own

Money, you've got lots of friends

They're crowding around the door

But when you're gone and spending ends

They don't come no more

Rich relations give crusts of bread and such

You can help yourself, but don't take too much

Mama may have, Papa may have

But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own

Mama may have, Papa may have

But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own

He just don't worry 'bout nothing, cause he's got his own”

So, what about this day called Juneteenth declared by Union General, Jordan Granger on July 19th, 1865??It was a far cry from the original proclamation delivered by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862.?No surprise there…. This holds many issues to talk about, (a lot to read about), but the news did travel slowly back then. For many… many… many …reasons.?

In the sixties, the Reverend Martin Luther King pressed for it to be a holiday in the State of Texas and so it did.??Now a?federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating the African-American culture.?

So, as we look to keep attention on this remarkable day, we do it understanding the words of the Reverend Martin Luther King when he said, “I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live – a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”?When Martin said these remarkable words, they forged a foundation for other generations to build on them… a message of HOPE.

While we may not get to the mountain top on this?“Juneteenth”…Perhaps, someday we will.?We will as long as we all chose to remember the past, diligently speak out against all injustice, and keep moving forward until we are there.?JUNETEENTH (June 19th)... an important day to remember. An important day to live by… for everyone, every day.

Rik Cornell, LICSW