I started an annual Juneteenth celebration post in 2018 after reading a tweet from Jemar Tisby about why Juneteenth should be a national holiday. Happily, it became a federal holiday in 2021.
Here is that 2018 post:
Happy day to celebrate the end of slavery in the U.S. Juneteenth is a holiday in 40 states; here is a tweet from Jemar Tisby which links to an article that makes a case for Juneteenth as a national holiday. Whether Juneteenth should be the day or another day should be designated, I agree there should be such a holiday to commemorate the end of slavery.
Juneteenth Photo: Public domain: Source: The Portal to Texas History Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Date: June 19, 1900. Author: Mrs. Charles Stephenson
Despite the fact that Juneteenth is rooted in verified historical events, certain far right leaders denigrate the observance. Turning Point USA’s leader Charlie Kirk calls it a “neo-segregationist federal holiday” and “pagan garbage.” Far right commentator Matt Walsh says the holiday is intended to “promote white guilt.” When Trump came into office, one of his first initiatives was to remove historical materials celebrating people of color from government websites. In such an environment, we need more holidays and observances to remind us of our history.
Juneteenth reminds us of the end of slavery, but one cannot celebrate this day without remembering what led to it. There are some who simply don’t know what to do with truth which causes them discomfort, even though they try to deny it or fight against it.
Speaking of Jemar Tisby, I continue to believe that my former employer — Grove City College — made a mistake by denouncing Jemar’s chapel talk in 2020. The mistake was the Grove City Board’s failure to listen to him and the faculty and administrators who supported him. We make no mistake listening to and facing hard truth. We go astray when we run from what we find when we look at the facts. So today celebrate and help actualize the freedoms promised to all Americans no matter race, creed, color, religion, who you love, and so on. Celebrate Juneteenth.
Speaking of Jemar, here is his post today on Juneteenth.
Thank you for the great work you are doing.
Thanks for your post and happy Juneteenth! https://deargrownwomen.substack.com/p/juneteenth-and-the-luxury-of-doing?r=4h7ehw