Honoring the Legacy of Juneteenth
by Bukola Landis-Aina (She, Her), Executive Director
As a first generation Nigerian American, I struggled with how to observe this first national observance of Juneteenth, marking 156 years since the liberation of enslaved people in Texas 2 months after the formal end of the United States Civil War. The emancipation of enslaved peoples in the United States was a milestone in the ardent struggle for justice and equity, work in which we are still engaged.
In the wake of global protests against police brutality and racialized violence, Juneteenth has garnered more attention, which I can only hope will lead to greater depths of understanding. But I also have concern, because what was once an intra-community celebration of emancipation has become part of a broader social vernacular, one in which the dominant culture threatens to undermine the focus and significance of the day. As of this week, the United States government has formally recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday, meaning that for many, the observance of this day of liberation will coincide with a day off. But how many of the lawmakers who voted for this new observance would acknowledge and fight alongside those who—to this very day—continue to suffer the lasting effects of slavery?
For non-Black folks and for those of us whose ancestors were not enslaved, we are challenged to use this observance of Juneteenth to develop a personal action plan for how to be antiracist in the coming year. While reading books and engaging with the work of Black activists is an important part of one's ongoing education, antiracism requires action—beyond abstractions—and that work is ongoing.
Start with some questions:
How are you interrogating your own biases?
Where have you failed to speak up and out against racism in your family, workplace, faith community, or local government? Rather than centering your guilt, ask how you will do better moving forward.
How are you pursuing equity in your faith community? Is your church or organization antiracist? What can you practically do to aspire towards allyship with Black folks and persons of color in those spaces?
What policies are you supporting in your community and/or government to affirm and support Black lives?
“For non-Black folks and for those of us whose ancestors were not enslaved, we are challenged to use this observance of Juneteenth to develop a personal action plan for how to be antiracist in the coming year. ”
Are you using your time and financial resources to support the work of Black advocates, business-owners, artists, etc.? Where and how can you start doing so?
Consider these resources for ideas of where to begin your work:
I'm Still Here (Austin Channing Brown)
Dear White Peacemakers (Osheta Moore)
How to Be Antiracist (Ibram X. Kendi)
Be Antiracist Podcast (Ibram X. Kendi)
So You Want to Talk About Race (Ijeoma Oluo)
But do not stop there.
We must educate ourselves about the history of Juneteenth, a day of liberation and justice, yet it must also be a time of action and intentionality on the part of all folks who benefit from the systems from which so many still need to be liberated. Today and every day, may we honor the legacy of emancipation with our words, deeds, and our whole selves.