Melinda Hightower’s Post

Given our country’s long and difficult history with inclusiveness, Jean decided to sit down and write out her thoughts -- during this year’s Black History Month -- on how we got here (this week’s Part 1) and where we go from here (Parts 2 and 3 in the next blogs). She writes: I remember my shock in 2020 when repeated protests after George Floyd’s gruesome murder played to an international audience. What shocked -- and delighted me, as I wrote in a blog post -- was seeing how many White people turned out in support of racial and social justice. I had no idea that their concerns about racial divides had been simmering beneath the surface, waiting for ignition. Public outrage appeared the fuel that propelled the movement, from Emmett Till to the War on Poverty, brutal slayings of civil rights workers to George Floyd. Only now, the outrage appears on the side of those pushing for White supremacy. Across the country, state legislators have implemented a series of voter suppression laws, reflective of post-Reconstruction laws in the late 1870s. Claims of election fraud have gained currency, and there is widespread concern that democratic institutions themselves are under assault and susceptible to becoming vastly weakened by authoritarians. Gerrymandering has enabled politicians to guarantee their own elections, supported by Supreme Court rulings. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) industry is under attack, with claims that efforts to diversify the workforce or educational institutions amount to "reverse racism" against the White dominant group. Companies and colleges are figuring out how to avoid lawsuits while still reaping the benefits of diversity and inclusion. What happens now? How long will it take, and why does it take so long? What is required of us who so fervently want to see the change?

🚀 New Blog Post 🚀 On Juneteenth 2024, we must redefine what true freedom means - not just removing physical shackles, but dismantling systemic barriers and empowering Black self-determination. Link to Post: https://lnkd.in/g3aymqmt This post explores tangible actions to support Black liberation as an everyday practice. True emancipation is still a work in progress. #JuneteenthFreedom

Today we celebrate #Juneteenth. On June 19th, 1865, more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were informed, finally, that they were free by decree of the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation, which had been signed more than two years before that fateful day, freed enslaved people in confederate states. It would take another six months before the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified making slavery illegal, except as punishment for a crime (the fine print) and freeing the remaining 100,000 enslaved people in states that never seceded from the union during the Civil War. The story of Juneteenth is a story of justice delayed. A story that Black people in this country know all too well. On this day, we remember those who continue to fight to make the full rights of citizenship a reality of all people. Juneteenth is a day to remember, grieve, reflect, and tell the truth of this country’s history and its legacy of enslavement. It’s a day to celebrate freedom and to acknowledge its unfulfilled promises. The work of repair is still very much in progress but Juneteenth reminds us of how far we’ve come.

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!!!

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.

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.

Opinion: How Black Americans’ refusals of injustice have shaped our national story This recent #Juneteenth Opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times by Historian, Author, Educator, and Speaker, Kellie Carter Jackson, really resonated with us here at CEEM Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement as we renew our commitment as a beacon in these dark times. As we navigate the complexities of today's America, we must remember the lessons of our past. The same spirit of refusal that led to the creation of the Underground Railroad and the Black Panther Party's social programs is needed today to combat the continued attacks on our freedoms and opportunities for equity and prosperity. We must continue to refuse to accept the status quo, refuse to let our civil liberties be eroded, and refuse to be silenced. Only through the unity of collective refusal, collective economics, and an unwavering commitment to justice can we hope to pave the way for a more just and equitable future for future generations. We must continue to insist on creating our own destinies, just as our ancestors did. We will do this, just as we always have - together. Kellie's new book "We Refuse - a Forceful History of Black Resistance" is out now. #Juneteenth #BlackOwned #BlackCommunity #BlackEducation #BlackProsperity #BlackRefusal #BlackResistance #FreedomDay https://lnkd.in/gZ9BykWW

This June 19th, Americans across the nation will unite to celebrate Juneteenth, now the newest federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history: The day when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This delayed justice reveals a profound truth: freedom and equality were hard-won and continue to be fought for till this day. Today, we celebrate the ending of an era of 246 years of enslavement that Black Americans endured in this country. At Rondo CLT, we recognize the deep cultural and historical importance of Juneteenth. Our offices are closed in observance of this day, as we reflect on its meaning and the work still ahead towards a more just and equitable future. Finally, we invite you to reflect on the struggles of the past and the ongoing fight for racial justice & equality today and to honor the resilience and spirit of those who paved the way for freedom. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #SocialJustice

“Power never takes a back step – only in the face of more power. ” Malcolm X. Juneteenth isn't just a day off – it's a call to action. It's a reminder that freedom is not a gift, but a right that must be fought for and protected. As we celebrate this historic milestone, let's channel the spirit of Malcolm X, whose unwavering belief in self-determination, education, and collective action for African Americans continues to inspire us today. Juneteenth is about more than the past: It's about acknowledging the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. Malcolm X's legacy is intertwined with Juneteenth: Both represent the power of hope, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. Self-determination is key: Juneteenth celebrates the right of Black Americans to define their own destiny, a principle Malcolm X championed. Education is empowerment: We honor Juneteenth by learning from history, understanding the present, and working towards a more equitable future. Collective action creates change: Juneteenth is a celebration of community and the power of coming together to fight for justice. This Juneteenth, let's recommit ourselves to the fight for equality. Whether its your work place, community or neighbourhood. How will you honor the legacy of Juneteenth and Malcolm X? Share your thoughts and actions in the comments!

Freedom is a cornerstone of American values. We proudly celebrate America’s freedom from Great Britain on the Fourth of July. However, not all Americans attained freedom on that day in 1776. Even after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, more than two years would pass before Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce Lincoln’s Proclamation and enforce the end of slavery for everyone. Indeed a cause for celebration, the first Juneteenth took place on June 19, 1866, commemorating the anniversary of General Granger’s historic arrival. In the following years, celebrations expanded across the country and grew to include parades, cookouts, voting education, storytelling and more. Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980, with other states following suit until 2021 when the United States officially recognized June 19th as a national holiday. Even though its history goes back 150 years, learning how to celebrate it is still new to some. As a community, there are several things we can do to honor and celebrate Juneteenth. - Take time to learn about the history of this holiday and our American experience. Engage in meaningful conversations, read books, watch documentaries, and amplify the voices and stories of the Black community. - Discover and patronize local Black-owned businesses in your area. It's an excellent way to contribute to economic empowerment and foster community growth. - Participate in local Juneteenth celebrations, parades, cultural events, or virtual gatherings. Engage in activities that promote unity, resilience, and the heritage of African American culture. We are proud to honor the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a future where freedom, equality, and justice prevail. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay