Honoring Juneteenth: A Heartfelt Personal Reflection
Next week in the United States, we will celebrate and honor Juneteenth. In 2021, Juneteenth gained national recognition as a federal holiday, so for many readers, this may be a relatively new holiday to honor. As a White-bodied person, it is for me and I have much to learn about how I can participate in Juneteenth in a way that honors an experience that is not my own, while also giving due consideration and reverence to those who celebrate Juneteenth as a demarcation of freedom and resilience, namely my Black colleagues and friends.
Articles and Resources for You
This year I dedicated some time to learning about Juneteenth and gathering some research on how I can best honor this holiday in 2023. This blog is dedicated to that research and below you can read the articles and resources by Black authors on the topic of Juneteenth that had the most impact on me personally. I’ve also added a quick overview of their main messages for ease of reading, but I urge you to check out the original sources and support those authors of their platforms.
The Fear of Overstepping
But, before we dive into the writings of these incredible authors, I would like to address an emotion that may be familiar to some of us, especially White allies: the fear of overstepping or misstepping during conversations on race. This is a legitimate concern that non-Black allies often grapple with when acknowledging and honoring days like Juneteenth. We may feel uncertain or even paralyzed by the fear of unintentionally causing offense or overstepping boundaries. I have certainly felt this and still wrestle with this feeling often. So, if you’re like me and are not sure how to celebrate this Juneteenth, I’ll share with you the same encouragement that was shared with me: this is a time for exploration and for respectful question-asking so that we can walk the path to growth and understanding. So, how can you celebrate without overstepping? Engage in conversation, do your own research, ask for feedback, and most importantly, stay open to learning.
A Journey Towards Equity and Equality
As we press forward on our collective path to equity and equality, Juneteenth stands as a pivotal observance, enlightening us about the struggle for equity in America. It not only amplifies the national celebration of all cultures but also brings into sharp focus the historic harm inflicted on various people groups in the country. We all have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of civil rights history and bear witness to what Juneteenth teaches us about the current struggle for equity in America. This collective journey towards a more equitable society necessitates a profound understanding, empathy, and active engagement in these conversations. By delving into the depth of our past, we are reminded of the magnitude of the challenge we face in undoing both the historic and contemporary effects of racism, thus reinforcing the need for the relentless pursuit of equity and justice.
History - Inspired by “What Every American Should Know About Juneteenth” by Cheryl Brown
Let's ground ourselves together in the history of Juneteenth and its implications. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, also known as Black Independence Day or Juneteenth Freedom Day, is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who endured the brutalities of enslavement. It's also a time of reflection and an opportunity to foster a greater understanding of the history that has shaped the experiences of Black individuals and communities today.
Juneteenth is more than a celebration, it's crucial to understand the history and meaning behind Juneteenth. It is more than a celebration—it's a poignant reminder of a journey toward freedom and equality that has yet to be completed. This day carries particular significance for descendants of formerly enslaved African Americans in Texas, marking a moment of liberation that came far too late.
Context - Inspired by "Juneteenth Is Not for Everyone" by Renee Nishawn Scott
Yet, while we can honor and celebrate Juneteenth, it's important to recognize and remember that the experiences of Black people are unique and individual. Juneteenth, while a significant event for African Americans as a whole, may resonate differently for each individual. It's crucial to respect each person's unique response to Juneteenth, recognizing that every individual's relationship with this day is shaped by their personal history and perspectives.
Juneteenth represents a specific cultural celebration of emancipation and resilience in the face of oppression. Recognizing this specificity helps ensure that we do not overlook or invalidate the diverse experiences within the Black community. It's critical to remember that the fight against systemic racism, bias, and discrimination continues and is a responsibility that falls on all of us, regardless of our race or ethnic background.
Current Harm and Microaggressions - Inspired by "Many Small Microaggressions Add up to Something Big" by Laurens Van Sluytman
While Juneteenth offers an avenue to celebrate the freedom of all Black people in America, it’s crucial to remember that the journey to equality is not over and there are countless ways that institutionalized racism or injustice or bias still palpably live in and impact our society today. One way that affects individuals, in particular, is microaggressions. To pursue understanding and solidarity, White allies must consider the harmful impacts of microaggressions, which are subtle slights or insults that individuals may unknowingly or unintentionally inflict upon others. Although these instances may seem innocuous to some, they carry a burden of racial bias that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fosters an environment of exclusion.
While there are those who dismiss microaggressions as being overly sensitive, evidence and countless testimonials indicate otherwise. These actions, regardless of their subtlety, contribute to the racial injustices faced by people of color on a daily basis. Acknowledging the reality of microaggressions moves us all closer to a more inclusive and understanding society. Our shared journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society necessitates understanding, empathy, and active engagement in these conversations.
A Note to You
To our non-Black colleagues and friends: I invite you to listen, learn, and participate in commemorating Juneteenth. This is not merely a moment to pay attention to Black culture, but a time to commit to supporting Black communities in their ongoing struggle for equality. It's an opportunity to acknowledge the institutional and systemic biases that remain and to actively work against them. It's time to celebrate the progress that's been made, but also to recognize the work that's still needed.
To our Black colleagues and friends: Thank you for your grace and patience as a majority of Americans learn to honor Juneteenth in a way that is appropriate and inclusive, but still pays due respect to the Black-American perspective.
To all: Let's ensure that Juneteenth is a time of meaningful reflection, open dialogue, and continued learning about the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the Black community. Above all, let's ensure it's a day of true solidarity, as we commit ourselves to the ongoing fight for justice, equity, and freedom for all.
Happy Juneteenth! - A Commitment to a More Inclusive and Equitable Future
Recognizing Juneteenth isn't just about marking an event in history; it's about acknowledging “the long, continuing struggle for racial equity in America and committing to being a part of the solution. It's about confronting fears and uncertainties, learning from each other, and finding ways to actively engage with the spirit of the day. It's about being active co-conspirators to dismantle the remnants of White supremacy that impact our communities and workplaces.
Whether you're an ally trying to figure out how to honor Juneteenth appropriately, or someone exploring what this day means to you personally, I hope you found these articles helpful. And as we embark on this collective journey, let's strive to navigate it with open minds, empathetic hearts, and the courage to embrace learning, growth, and change. After all, acknowledging Juneteenth is not just a gesture of respect towards the past - it's a pledge of commitment toward a more inclusive and equitable future.