Today marks Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day. Specifically, it commemorates Union army general Gordon Granger announcing federal orders in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, proclaiming that all people held as slaves in Texas were free. Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed more than two years earlier, this declaration by Granger effectively ended slavery for 250,000 Black people in Texas and beyond. Originally a Texas state holiday, it is now celebrated annually on the 19th of June throughout the United States, with varying official recognition. Take a look at this link for more details: https://youtu.be/lq8TNKZVEWs

Why is this day relevant? Why is this an important conversation today? Despite how far Black people have come, the reality of disparities still exists. It’s not finger pointing or blame placing. It is about creating conversations to discuss and better understand where and why this state of things continues for Black people, and it is an opportunity to consider how to move beyond these barriers. Once we can sit down and have productive conversations on this level, we will be able to eliminate the vestiges of slavery and oppression that have plagued this country for hundreds of years.

I have been blessed to achieve much in my life, but I have also experienced these barriers firsthand. I have experienced the disparities in how I was treated based upon these systemic realities. I continue to appreciate those who have provided me with opportunities, but I also know that I, as well as many other black people, have been limited due to these historical inequalities. I pray that you will take a moment to just listen and try to understand rather than completely ignoring these stories of those who experience these cultural realities daily.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s focus on the resilience of Black people in this country, endeavor to think about strategies to improve the Black community’s plight, and focus on creating environments committed to equity, belonging and social justice.