Yolanda Woodard’s Post

I am not from the South and as far as I know, all my ancestors fought for the Union, these monuments do not reflect my history in any way. Sure, Washington and other founders had slaves, but they at least built a legacy beyond slavery and conquest, one that would, eventually, see the end of slavery. These monuments don't represent the U.S., they represent the Confederacy, a non-existent nation meant to preserve white supremacy, a policy that all the whites of the South, poor or rich, benefited from and fought for. It's only "your" land so long as it can't be the Black's or the Native's. Poor whites were just as guilty of preserving slavery as the plantation owners they admired, especially after spending decades after the war attacking freed Blacks and Republicans as part of armed terrorist groups like the KKK and Red Shirts and introducing racial segregation. The interests of the poor whites were still intrinsically racist. These Confederates were never honored for their bravery or any other sense of American value, they're honored for trying to maintain the superior status of the white Christian race, that's why these statues exist. Germany itself once held monuments dedicated to their civilian victims of the Allied bombing campaigns, but once it was realized these shrines were a flagrant attempt at vilifying the U.S. and making the Germans appear innocent (a revisionist narrative by Neo-Nazi's and ex-Soviets) most these monuments were removed.   There's a difference between history and worship, that is why we teach people American racism, not idolatrize it. THE STATUES MUST GO

Well, it's Commonwealth Day folks. Here are 5 things to know about the 'voluntary association' of 56 countries with King Charles III as the Head. What are your thoughts on the continuation of the Commonwealth? #commonwealth #blackhistory

Today, we observe Juneteenth, honoring and acknowledging crucial strides in American history. We can use today to reflect on the pursuit of freedom in the past, present, and future. #juneteenth #juneteenth2024

🖋️“Last week, more than 1,000 Black pastors called on President Biden to restrain Israel in its war against Hamas. Some went so far as to identify the Palestinian cause with the Black civil rights movement. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Hamas-Israel war is not a fight for the equality of Palestinians and Israelis, nor is it a fight to establish a Palestinian state on an equal footing with Israel in the international arena. Rather, it is a fight by Hamas to annihilate the Jewish State of Israel, and a fight by Israel for its very survival. Black pastors should be concerned about the rise of antisemitism among younger and more educated blacks. They should stand against what continues to be exposed as a broader agenda of progressive Democrats to maintain power through division…” - 📰 Read more of my latest opinion piece with Newsweek here:

Our upcoming lecture will interpret the "First Emancipation," when thousands of people of African heritage secured freedom by the end of the 18th century. They would establish many of America's earliest free communities of color, which became the stomping grounds of free African American religious, educational, civic, and, most notably, political expression well before most African-heritage people obtained emancipation after the Civil War. https://lnkd.in/gJihnVfG

#Juneteenth marks the second independence day in the United States — a time for celebration and reflection. Join us in commemorating the end of slavery in our country and honoring Black resilience. Learn more about the historical legacy of Juneteenth. 👉🏿 https://loom.ly/32VFxFM

One of our core values is inclusivity so we were honored to design this artwork for our client as a way to celebrate and honor #Juneteenth.⁠ June 19th or “Juneteenth” is an important day in African-American history. Juneteenth or Freedom Day is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of ending slavery in the United States. This holiday is considered the longest-running African-American holiday and has been called America’s second Independence Day. It was on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and all slaves were free. This was 2 ½ years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which become official on January 1, 1863. As graphic designers, we always have to educate ourselves on the clients, products, and topics we are asked to design for. Though this project, we were able to broaden our knowledge and awareness of Juneteenth- and in knowing more, we can DO more. We all have the responsibility to do our part in working toward a better future for all. A few ways you can honor Juneteenth are: - Learn the history of Juneteenth - Visit a museum - Read books written by black authors - Support black-owned restaurants and businesses “Oppression must be remembered, not repeated.” - Anonymous #blendercreativeco #Juneteenth #blackhistory #weallbelong #femaleownedbusiness #graphicdesign #graphicdesignagency #adagency #mooresvillenc #charlottenc #lakenorman

🌟 The Untold Origins of Memorial Day: Honoring Black G.I.s 🌟 As we observe Memorial Day, it’s important to recognize the profound and often overlooked history behind this day of remembrance. Did you know that Memorial Day’s origins are deeply entwined with the contributions of Black soldiers during and after the Civil War? Here are some key points from my latest article: ✅ Charleston, 1865: In April 1865, Black residents of Charleston, SC, many of whom were formerly enslaved, organized the first Memorial Day event to honor fallen Union soldiers. ✅ A Grassroots Movement: On May 1, 1865, approximately 10,000 people gathered to give Union soldiers a proper burial, decorate their graves with flowers, and hold a commemorative parade. ✅ Disparities in Treatment: The article delves into the historical and ongoing disparities in treatment between white and Black soldiers and veterans, highlighting the need for systemic change. ✅ Legacy and Reflection: It also discusses the broader implications of this history and the exploitation of economically disadvantaged communities for military recruitment. Curious to learn more about this significant and often untold chapter of American history? Read the full article and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by all who have served. #MemorialDay #BlackHistory #Veterans #Equality #Legacy #InclusiveHistory #DiversityandInclusion #SystemicChange

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a significant milestone in American history. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day represents the end of slavery in the United States and is a powerful reminder of the ever-enduring need to continue to fight for equality and justice. To learn more about the history behind Juneteenth, check out this article by the NYTimes here! #Juneteenth #NewYorkTimes

"Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. Instead, it's a celebration of progress. It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, things do get better. America can change." — Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, Civil Rights Attorney Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, heralding the end of slavery, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Last month, while at the Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy in Montgomery, Alabama, I toured the Legacy Museum, which offered a powerful journey of America's history of racial injustice. The museum is built on the site of a cotton warehouse where enslaved Black people were forced to labor in bondage; the Legacy Museum tells the story of slavery in America and its legacy. The museum was a deeply moving experience. Witnessing a depiction of the full scale of slavery's impact was not just mindblowing but also a stark reminder of the resilience and strength of those who endured it. For example, the volume of human lives lost making the voyage to the United States, the origins of the phrase 'selling down the river,' and the recency of America's civil rights movement. But why is Juneteenth and what it stands for crucial to our nation and armed forces? A diverse force, united in its commitment to equality, not only strengthens our armed forces but also upholds the values we defend, making us a more effective and inclusive military community. Let's take a moment to reflect on our history, celebrate our progress, and recommit ourselves to working towards a better future for all. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Emancipation #Progress #Equality #CivilRights #AmericanHistory #DiversityAndInclusion #MilitaryDiversity #HonorAndService