This is the second year my employer recognized Juneteeth as a holiday and closed the office before it became state or federally observed.
While federal recognition of the day as a holiday is a step in a positive direction, especially in the midst of America trying to deny or ban teaching her history as it pertains to race and Black folks in America, many of us are reserved or cautious in our glee of this moment.
Why are we reserved and cautious? 1) Because history has shown us that following this type move, comes commercialization and loss of the true spirit, meaning and significance of the holiday. Its significance will become lost in greeting cards and a 20% sale at Macy's. 2) Black folks might be reserved or cautious in our elation because this act of government can be used as an excuse to deny racism and white supremacy, because there remain so many matters of political importance that need to be addressed in the Black community.
Juneteeth was easy legislation to pass. It involved no heavy lifting for Anti-Black politicians, there was no change in circumstance or consequence for them or Black folks. As a matter of fact it is a shield for racist politicians who will offer their vote in favor of the holiday as a reason to deny or deflect from accusations of racism.
So yes, let's celebrate this milestone while simultaneously keeping the pressure on all of our elected officials and community leaders. This day of recognition is culmination of lots of hard work by many in the Black community. It is our job to make certain that their work was not in vain or reduced to a nice gesture or honorable mention on the part of government but instead the preface for or setting the tone for much larger and pressing matters to be achieved. We must now go back and deal with the essential steps that were leapt over in our continued pursuit of progress for Black Americans.
In the meantime, Happy Juneteeth Everyone!
💗🖤💚
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