Today is Juneteenth. And, while it may be the newest of federal holidays, it is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This celebration calls us to recommit our support to Black people and communities in this country.
May this day remind us of the deep planted roots of white supremacy in this country and that we must work every day to dismantle racial inequity.
At the YWCA National Capital, we know that history continues to be whitewashed, conveniently leaving out parts of our history that we shouldn’t forget. Black people continue to suffer under white supremacy systems such as mass incarceration, voter suppression laws, the banning of books that feature the Black experience, racism in healthcare, and the “othering” of Black people.
These things have happened before and continue today. We will not stand aside and support these systems of slavery. You shouldn’t either.
As you celebrate today, we also call you to action in support of Black people and their liberation. Here are some ways:
- Celebrate Juneteenth in community with others. Here are some ideas.
- Learn the history of Juneteenth and be mindful of cultural appropriation as you celebrate & honor the holiday.
- Educate yourself on the calls for reparations for Black Americans.
- Get registered to vote if you aren’t, and commit to exercising your right to vote on election day.
- Urge your legislators to reject and condemn state-based efforts that limit how educators can discuss racism and history in their classrooms.
The fight for justice–especially racial justice–takes all of us. None of us are free until we all are.