Discussing Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, a Union General rode into Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended, and the enslaved had been freed.

Though the Emancipation Proclamation became law in January 1863, it could not be enforced in places still under confederate control.

2 YEARS LATER

When discussing Juneteenth, here are a few things to consider.

Black Americans can:
· Celebrate the holiday and still be frustrated about the treatment they still receive.
· Celebrate Senate unanimously passing the bill to have it recognizes as a federal holiday and question why there is resistance in teaching it (and related impactful American history) in schools.
· Question why this became a focus before protecting the Voting Rights Act and the anti-lynching bill.
· Consider the passing of a Juneteenth federal holiday performative and still want it to be official.

Holding multiple feelings, thoughts and stances is allowed. #talkaboutit