Becoming Free
As a Black queer Christian, my existence stands at the intersection of multiple identities, each holding a unique significance in my journey towards claiming my space. The powerful words of 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 resonate deeply with me, as they connect with the essence of Juneteenth, a day that represents freedom and the pursuit of justice. For me, like it did for my ancestors, the Spirit of the Lord provides a constant source of freedom, liberation, and transformation.
On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their emancipation, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth represents the triumph of hope, determination, and the unyielding spirit of my people in the face of unimaginable oppression.
Just as the Lord's Spirit signifies freedom, Juneteenth stands as a testament to the power of breaking the chains of slavery and reclaiming one's identity. It is a reminder that God's love transcends the boundaries of human-made systems, and it fuels our pursuit of justice and equality.
“Juneteenth represents the triumph of hope, determination, and the unyielding spirit of my people in the face of unimaginable oppression.”
As a Black queer Christian, I navigate the complexities of intersecting identities. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and equality extends beyond racial lines. It unites individuals from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of justice, highlighting the need for collective action against oppression in all its forms.
So, how do we claim our space in a world that often tries to diminish or erase our identities? For me, it begins with embracing the truth that the Spirit of the Lord resides within me. This divine presence empowers me to stand tall, unapologetically embracing my Blackness, queerness, and faith.
To claim our space, we must actively resist oppressive systems and engage in the ongoing work of dismantling them. We must amplify the voices of the marginalized, including those within our own communities. Juneteenth provides an opportunity for education, allyship, and advocacy, allowing us to confront the uncomfortable truths of our history while working towards a more just future.
Becoming free,
Tamice Spencer-Helms
She/They
