Juneteenth, we could also call it Freedom Day, is a national holiday marking June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the emancipation of enslaved people—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It serves as a poignant reminder that the fight for freedom is ongoing and requires our active participation and vigilance.
Freedom is not a final destination; it is a practice we must continually defend and uphold in our interactions with one another and through our civic engagement.
Freedom entails responsibilities. It demands that we respect the rights of others, engage in informed and respectful discourse, and participate in the democratic process to ensure that the freedoms we cherish are preserved for future generations. As citizens, we must hold our elected officials accountable and advocate for policies that protect and expand our liberties rather than limiting them.
The freedom to read and access books of our choice is fundamental to an informed and enlightened society. Efforts to ban books or restrict access to diverse perspectives threaten this freedom and undermine the educational foundation of our democracy. Similarly, access to healthcare and the right to make healthcare decisions privately and independently are essential freedoms. Legislative efforts that restrict healthcare access or infringe upon the confidential relationship between patients and their physicians pose significant threats to this freedom.
The freedom to practice one’s religion without fear of persecution or violence is a cornerstone of American liberty. The need for guards at places of worship is a stark reminder that this freedom remains under threat and requires our collective efforts to safeguard it. The ability to express oneself freely, whether through speech, art, or protest, is another vital aspect of a free society. Any attempt to curtail these expressions through censorship or repression must be met with resolute opposition.
Economic freedom, including the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to pursue economic opportunities, is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities. Policies that undermine workers' rights and economic equity threaten this fundamental freedom. The right to vote and participate in free and fair elections is the bedrock of our democracy. Efforts to disenfranchise voters or undermine the integrity of the electoral process represent direct attacks on our freedom and democratic principles.
As we look to our elected officials, it is clear that freedom remains on the ballot. We must ask ourselves: How much does freedom mean to us? Are we willing to stand up for the rights and freedoms of others, even when they differ from our own?
Juneteenth is a celebration, but it is also a call to action. Let us remember that the preservation of freedom requires constant vigilance and active participation from all of us.
Happy Juneteenth! Today, we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the triumph of freedom. Take time to reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay
