Today we celebrate the 157th anniversary of Juneteenth.
It is an opportunity for reflection and an invitation for all of us to confront the failed promises of liberty and justice that remain unfulfilled for African Americans in the US.
Today, we honor the millions of African people who were dehumanized and lost their lives during enslavement and the immeasurable toll of the institution of enslavement of people of African descent all over the world. Our collective fight for freedom must also recognize those who fought before us to achieve it.
So what is our opportunity in this moment? It is to ensure that our work continues to address the legacies of enslavement still present today—in education, healthcare, housing, economic prosperity, and in policing and our legal system.?
Juneteenth, the holiday, is indeed symbolic and important, but not enough. It is our collective responsibility to earn the legacy we have inherited. We have a responsibility to engage with our past. Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery and became a great abolitionist said, ”I prayed for freedom for 20 years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.“ All of us will be judged by our actions not our words.
At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) our health equity work is expanding to reach new and vulnerable families coming to us from all over the world and right here in New York City. By addressing the social factors that affect health, we have created a seamless circle of support that helps families navigate their battles with pediatric illness.?
I encourage you to take some time to engage in advocacy, to learn, and honor the significance of this day.
Learn about the day
Juneteenth becomes a state and federal holiday
Participate in a virtual Juneteenth celebration
Scholar Practitioner: Building Collective Power through Relationships and Supporting Transformation through Innovation and Insight
3 年hey friend, great to see your name, beloved sister. Hope you are doing well.
Tenured Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at Mount Sinai Health System
3 年Thanks, Ruth! Well said.