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This Juneteenth, as we recognize and commemorate the centuries-long struggle Black Americans have undertaken in this country, we must remember a few things: First, in light of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, it is important to understand that we celebrate Juneteenth regardless of whether it is an “official” holiday or not. To paraphrase Dr. Ben-Jochannan, we don’t need to ask for a holiday; we simply take a day. We must also be clear about what constitutes the Black agenda, and not accept symbolic gestures as tangible gains for the Black community. Second, Juneteenth should not be generalized to all groups, as this is a holiday specifically for the descendants of American slaves who have had to endure centuries of oppression. That does not mean other people cannot recognize it, but Black Americans' achievements and culture are often spread out to all groups, and it is important to acknowledge Black Americans' unique history and contributions in America. Third, when reflecting on our history, we must consider what has enabled our success thus far. One of the most important factors in our success has been the prevalence of our code of conduct. By creating and enforcing this code, we ensure that no individuals will be allowed to undermine our efforts from within, and we must continue to use this same strategy going forward. Lastly, we can commemorate our history today, but we must take action tomorrow. I therefore implore all those supporting justice to do so by educating yourself and those around you about our history and present circumstances, and looking for opportunities for activism in your communities. This summer, I’ve committed to reading a number of different books by some of our greatest teachers, including: “A Black History Reader”, “Black Labor, White Wealth”, and “PowerNomics” all by Dr. Claud Anderson. “Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust” by Dr. John Henrik Clarke. “The Isis Papers” by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing. I highly recommend all of these scholars' books, as well as their speeches and lectures, many of which are available now on Youtube. Happy Juneteenth, and may we continue in our progress towards equality. #Juneteenth #BlackEmpowerment #BlackHistory #Resilience #Justice

🌟 Honoring Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Reflection on History 🌟 Today, we join the nation in celebrating Juneteenth, a historic day that marks the true end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the freedom of the last remaining enslaved African Americans, more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. In 2021 President Biden signed a law, making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. Despite this, many communities remain unfamiliar with the holiday and its importance in our nation’s history. Although celebratory in nature, the date is a reminder of the painful history that led to it and the injustices that remain. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, is a reminder of the resilience, perseverance, and strength of Black Americans. It is a day to honor the past, acknowledge the ongoing struggles, and commit to building a future of equality and justice. At Bridge Partners, we are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich history and contributions of the Black community. To find information about the history behind Juneteenth, you can visit these links below: 🌟 Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture: https://lnkd.in/gqvPZFF 🌟 Juneteenth: What It Is And How It Is Observed | NPR: https://lnkd.in/g_Hujyp 🌟 What Is Juneteenth? | HISTORY: https://lnkd.in/e-xqsEw 🌟 The Origins of Juneteenth and Why It Falls on June 19th | TIME: https://lnkd.in/gz2ZTvjf Let’s take this opportunity to educate ourselves, honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom, and continue working towards a more inclusive society. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #History #DiversityAndInclusion

🎉 JUNETEENTH🎉 On June 19, 1865, freedom finally arrived for the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas. This day marked the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been the law of the land for two and a half years already. Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It commemorates the end of slavery and celebrates the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans. Juneteenth is more than just a historical event; it symbolizes the ongoing fight for equality and justice. It’s a reminder that America was founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve equal treatment. 🌿 How can you observe Juneteenth? Learn: Educate yourself about Juneteenth’s significance and its impact on American history. Celebrate: Attend local events, parades, and community gatherings. Reflect: Take a moment to honor the resilience of those who fought for freedom. Support: Engage with Black-owned businesses and organizations. Advocate: Continue the work toward a more just and equitable society. 💪 Let’s celebrate Juneteenth together!

What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth goes by many names. Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or the country's second Independence Day, Juneteenth is one of the most important anniversaries in our nation's history. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, who had fought for the Union, led a force of soldiers to Galveston, Texas, to deliver a very important message: The war was finally over, the Union had won, and it now had the manpower to enforce the end of slavery. The announcement came two months after the effective conclusion of the Civil War, and even longer since President Abraham Lincoln had first signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but many enslaved Black people in Texas still weren't free, even after that day. What Juneteenth represents First things first: Juneteenth gets its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth," the day that Granger arrived in Galveston, bearing a message of freedom for the slaves there. Upon his arrival, he read out General Order No. 3, informing the residents that slavery would no longer be tolerated and that all slaves were now free and would henceforth be treated as hired workers if they chose to remain on the plantations, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This would be the first time that black Americans would be paid for their work on American soil. What’s Next Educate yourself and others around you. Many still believe that Juneteenth shouldn’t be recognized, others have no idea what Juneteenth is about. I hope that sharing a bit of the history behind my legacy and so many others like me will inspire you to want to know more.

Black History | wprnPublicRadio.com On This Day, President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment by Irene Smalls.   https://lnkd.in/eDHrY7-N On February 1, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. The 13th Amendment freed all enslaved African Americans throughout the entire United States. Finally, ALL enslaved African-Americans were granted their freedom. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, served as a strategic maneuver to weaken the Confederacy. It specifically freed only enslaved African-Americans in the Confederate states.” This is one of the reasons Black History Month is in February. The 13th Amendment: Unveiling its Impact on Black History Month and the Ongoing Struggle for Equality   Explore the significance of the 13th Amendment in Black History Month, from its passage by President Lincoln to its ongoing impact on civil rights and the struggle for equality in America. The failure of the founding fathers to explicitly address slavery in the nation’s founding documents had far-reaching implications for the institution of slavery in the United States. This omission not only perpetuated the inhumane practice but also highlighted the underlying [racial discrimination] and inequality embedded in the country’s early governance. For generations, enslaved African Americans endured the brutal realities of forced labor and dehumanization, with no legal recourse for their freedom or rights.

"Juneteenth stands as a profound testament to the resilience, fortitude, and enduring struggle of Black Americans for freedom and equality. Originating from the delayed announcement of emancipation in Texas on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth signifies not only the belated end of slavery but also the ongoing quest for justice and recognition of human dignity. We’ve come too far to turn back now, and we must accelerate the momentum toward actualizing freedom for all Americans.” To keep reading and learn more check out our NEW OpEd on the profound history of Juneteenth! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ePimf8eR #Juneteenth #EqualityMatters #StrongerTogether #OpEd #HistoryMovesUsForward

What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth goes by many names. Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or the country's second Independence Day, Juneteenth is one of the most important anniversaries in our nation's history. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, who had fought for the Union, led a force of soldiers to Galveston, Texas, to deliver a very important message: The war was finally over, the Union had won, and it now had the manpower to enforce the end of slavery. The announcement came two months after the effective conclusion of the Civil War, and even longer since President Abraham Lincoln had first signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but many enslaved Black people in Texas still weren't free, even after that day. What Juneteenth represents First things first: Juneteenth gets its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth," the day that Granger arrived in Galveston, bearing a message of freedom for the slaves there. Upon his arrival, he read out General Order No. 3, informing the residents that slavery would no longer be tolerated and that all slaves were now free and would henceforth be treated as hired workers if they chose to remain on the plantations, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This would be the first time that black Americans would be paid for their work on American soil. What’s Next Educate yourself and others around you. Many still believe that Juneteenth shouldn’t be recognized, others have no idea what Juneteenth is about. I hope that sharing a bit of the history behind my legacy and so many others like me will inspire you to want to know more.

Juneteenth holds profound significance for me. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This day symbolizes the delayed yet inexorable triumph of freedom and justice, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of the Black community. In honoring Juneteenth, we acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors who fought tirelessly for their liberation. Their perseverance in the face of unimaginable adversity paved the way for future generations, and it is our duty to remember and honor their legacy. This day is not just a commemoration of the past, but a call to action for the present and future. It urges us to continue the fight for equality and justice in all its forms. I recognize the importance of teaching the full and unvarnished history of our nation. Juneteenth offers a unique opportunity to engage non-Black people in discussions about the complexities of American history, the legacy of chattel slavery, and the ongoing struggle for human rights. It is a time to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go in addressing systemic racism and inequality. Lastly, I present a list of reflection questions to grapple with: If you find yourself uncomfortable about this holiday ask yourself why? What is it about celebrating the freedom of enslaved Black people that makes you so uncomfortable? What can you do on your own to learn more about Juneteenth and systemic oppression? Who can you share what you learned with? HAPPY JUNETEENTH!!!

29 Books for Black History Month. Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad; by Matthew F. Delmont Over one million Black men and women served in World War II. Black troops were at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of the Bulge, serving in segregated units and performing unheralded but vital support jobs, only to be denied housing and educational opportunities on their return home. Without their crucial contributions to the war effort, the United States could not have won the war. And yet the stories of these Black veterans have long been ignored, cast aside in favor of the myth of the “Good War” fought by the “Greatest Generation.” Half American is American history as you’ve likely never read it before. In these pages are stories of Black heroes such as Thurgood Marshall, the chief lawyer for the NAACP, who investigated and publicized violence against Black troops and veterans; Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., leader of the Tuskegee Airmen, who was at the forefront of the years-long fight to open the Air Force to Black pilots; Ella Baker, the civil rights leader who advocated on the home front for Black soldiers, veterans, and their families; James Thompson, the 26-year-old whose letter to a newspaper laying bare the hypocrisy of fighting against fascism abroad when racism still reigned at home set in motion the Double Victory campaign; and poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a war correspondent for the Black press. Their bravery and patriotism in the face of unfathomable racism is both inspiring and galvanizing. In a time when the questions World War II raised regarding race and democracy in America remain troublingly relevant and still unanswered, this meticulously researched retelling makes for urgently necessary reading.

In the course of my reporting on this event, I overlooked the pomp and circumstance to ascertain what substantive action would come out of this historic meeting of Black history descendants. Even Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., a descendant I interviewed at the White House, expressed surprise at the heaviness of my first question: What will the Black history descendants discuss during their two-day convening and what tangible project will come out of it? My strategy is a testament to being around entirely too many "talking heads" over the last decade or so. More importantly, it shows my nationalist, race-first outlook that reveals the U.S. government as an entity threatened by true Black self-determination. My article in The Washington Informer acknowledges the historic significance of this descendants meeting while noting that it will result in something more than an election year photo op for the White House. NOTE: Proximity to "power" means nothing without collective control of our resources and destiny. In these times, Black journalists bear the responsibility of asking the real questions and not folding under the allure of celebrity. Let's do our best to keep the pressure on our (s)elected officials, all in the spirit of Ida B. Wells and countless others. https://lnkd.in/edGAvFxN