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, we stand in solidarity and celebration with our community, recognizing the significance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to the enslaved people of Texas, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had technically freed them two years earlier, it wasn't until this day that they learned of their freedom. Celebrated as a second independence day, Juneteenth has long been recognized within the African American community, highlighting a pivotal moment in American history.
The Raleigh Police Department is committed to justice, equality, and building stronger connections within our community. We can each honor this day by reflecting on our history and moving forward with a shared vision of unity and progress.
#Juneteenth #Unity #RaleighPD #RPD #FreedomDay
