Barry Brownstein’s Post

Maybe two years ago while sitting at a rooftop in North Hills, a close friend with a different skintone than me looked around, and whispered in my ear, “North Hills is getting pretty dark, isn’t it?” I was confused. “Yeah the sun is going down, I guess it’s getting late.” He motioned with his eyes, and I realized maybe 50% of the classy rooftop guests had similar skintones to my own. I laughed it off, but it was the first insight I got into how (some) white people, being 60% of the nation’s population, oftentimes don’t feel comfortable in spaces with patrons of darker complexions. In 1865, people in Texas heard the news for the first time that they no longer had to be shackled. Today, Texas has the largest black population, but only at 14% compared to the 12% national average. During slavery, men, women, and children were chained, beaten, starved, and suffered horrible assaults and living conditions. They worked every day under the imprisonment of other families. The average slaved lived to only 21 years old, while the average white person lived twice as long to 40+ years old. Slaverly still continued illegally for a while after 1865. It was not that long ago. Slavery didn’t really end hundreds of years ago. It continued mentally. It is still relevant to how black and brown people whose ancestors were enslaved go about navigating this country. This affects our health, education, standard of living, job search, home-buying and overall income earning potential. There’s also the quiet and insidious bias others may have towards black men and women they don’t even recognize. If you observe this holiday, take inventory of your circle. How often do you interact with and celebrate black and brown men and women for their accomplishments? Do you acknowledge how challenging overcoming slavery must be, even today? Do you make an effort to learn more about cultures different than your own? Do you get uncomfortable if a black person drives a nice car, is at a nice restaurant, or moves into your neighborhood? Do you recognize that if a black American has achieved a high level of success, it may have been much harder to achieve based on our countries recent history of slavery? Today, assess your bias. Learn about your family’s history and the history of your friends. Maybe ask them how you can be a better friend surrounding the topic of race. Ignoring that these things are real and vastly affected Americans is hugely problematic- we must do better as a society and unified country. Black and brown people are resilient, forgiving, loving, intelligent, capable, innovative, and deserving of safe spaces to work, live, grow our families, and thrive! I hope that as time goes on, the small number of 14% of black people in this country grows, as we shed the limiting beliefs historically forced on us, and pursue better resources, education, and jobs.

Today is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marking the day in 1865 that the last of enslaved people in America were notified of their freedom two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s also now recognised as a federal holiday following the passing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021. Freedom. Independence. Words we have historically associated with the 4th of July and the U.S. becoming independent from Great Britain without recognising or acknowledging that not all Americans were celebrating freedom at the same time. We must reflect on history, it’s impact, and how it continues to shape our thoughts and opinions about society and our place in it. Through relfection comes growth, and as an industry we still have a lot of growing to do.

🎉 Let's take a moment to honor the day that marked a turning point in American history. Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, signifies the day in 1865 when federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas, ensuring that all enslaved individuals were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day isn't just a date in history; it's a celebration of freedom, a reminder of the journey towards equality, and an observance of the resilience and spirit of the African American community. Juneteenth stands as the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S., now recognized across the nation as a federal holiday. From Texas being the first state to declare Juneteenth a state holiday in 1979 to it becoming a symbol of freedom and equality nationwide, let's honor this day by reflecting on our collective past and looking forward to a future of unity and progress. ✊🏾 #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #CelebrateJuneteenth #AmericanHistory #FederalHoliday

🎉 Let's take a moment to honor the day that marked a turning point in American history. Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, signifies the day in 1865 when federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas, ensuring that all enslaved individuals were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day isn't just a date in history; it's a celebration of freedom, a reminder of the journey towards equality, and an observance of the resilience and spirit of the African American community. Juneteenth stands as the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S., now recognized across the nation as a federal holiday. From Texas being the first state to declare Juneteenth a state holiday in 1979 to it becoming a symbol of freedom and equality nationwide, let's honor this day by reflecting on our collective past and looking forward to a future of unity and progress. ✊🏾 #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #CelebrateJuneteenth #AmericanHistory #FederalHoliday

Today we commemorate a significant moment in American history: when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This lag in implementation underscores the inherent challenges in the struggle for liberty, making Juneteenth not just a day of celebration but also a reminder of the tireless pursuit of equality and justice. As we celebrate African American resilience and culture, we reflect on the ongoing fight for racial equity and the importance of combating systemic racism. #Juneteenth #ColliersREMSUS

Political power, support for violence, and anti-Blackness have a long and well-documented correlative history in this country. Despite not being the largest or fastest growing minority group in this country, fear of Black people gaining more power is paramount. That sentiment has likely been driving the anti-diversity language, laws and behaviors so prevalent today. We're going backwards, and the military affirmative action programs will be a crucial test in the near future. https://lnkd.in/e9DTHT7A

Today we celebrate the observance of Juneteenth, a day that marks a pivotal moment in American history. On this day, June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.   Despite the Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1st, 1863, many areas of the South still actively held slaves and it wasn’t until the official defeat of Robert E. Lee that many were informed of their new rights. Two and a half years later they were finally freed.   The historical significance of Juneteenth lies in its symbolization of freedom and the end of slavery in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the long and arduous struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of racial equality and was only recently established as a national holiday by President Biden in 2021.   We hope you take this day to celebrate and remember and to grow in your journey of cultural awareness and understanding.   Digital Sales Diversity and Inclusion Team #dsdiversityandinclusion #juneteenth

In celebration of Juneteenth, here is a quick History lesson as to why this is an important event to commemorate. https://lnkd.in/ggkmVvCf

What is Juneteenth? Find out more below. #History #Juneteenth #UnitedStatesHistory

Project 2025 Apes Hitler’s Playbook https://lnkd.in/gFMrYekS Steven Miller: What is astounding is that US Fascists also are adopting almost the identical road to power that was used by Hitler in 1933!