Today, Monday, June 19, 2023, is Juneteenth.  It’s a special day because I understand what this specific holiday represents towards freedom.  “Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.”

Juneteenth – Wikipedia

Many words can be said about the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln underscored in our history books on September 22, 1862 leading up to Juneteenth and our freedom. Although we are stilling making progress, more work is required as the hurts and pains will never forgotten.

Emancipation Proclamation – Definition, Dates & Summary (history.com)

Today, there are plenty of mixed emotions connected with Juneteenth.

When I think about the black individuals that served in the Union Army who made a difference in America, I’m so proud of them all.

It’s still interesting how the nation remains divided or separated.

If you grew up during the Civil Rights Movement, you already have seen and are living these actions that continue evolving from different perspectives.

SYMONE Exclusive: The Journey to Juneteenth Part Two (msnbc.com)

Earlier this week, I prayed that Juneteenth would be without incident.  Sadly, the nation has seen one person killed and 22 injured in a shooting.  During a Juneteenth celebration, The incident occurred in a Chicago suburb late Saturday evening in the parking lot of a Willowbrook, Illinois, strip mall.

I know some states don’t recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday and have banned teaching its history and significance.  Although I expressed my opinions about Critical Race Theory, states like Florida, Oklahoma, and Alabama have put measures into place prohibiting an Advancement Placement African American studies course or teaching certain concepts of race and racism.

Therefore, teachers could lose their jobs if they are careless in conversations with students.

I am grateful for the many opportunities I’ve shared over the past 10- or 12-years celebrating Juneteenth events before it was official.  When you know something that means something to you, you tend to see things differently in life.

I’m not sure about you; however, there are plenty of history lessons about our past regarding people of color.  Therefore, I often reflect more often than before when possible.

I also realize that the journey toward Juneteenth didn’t happen overnight.  Today, I’m grateful for all my descendants that helped pave the way toward Juneteenth, who are not here today.  Each one of them would be proud of their fruits of labor.

I think of Juneteenth and how far we have arrived as a race, specifically with treatment related to the three-fifths compromise.

The Three-Fifths Compromise: History and Significance (thoughtco.com)

The Three-Fifths Compromise (video) | Khan Academy

I don’t by any means want to be boastful or arrogant in a braggadocious style; however, it’s a day I don’t take for granted.  In retrospect, history and the events leading up to Juneteenth remain elusive, sometimes with conversation avoidance.

As a resident of Alabama for only four years, I have learned about the politics and differences that require patience and prudence.

It’s patience in seeing how the Alabama legislature works and prudence in articulating my decisions each time I must vote on an issue when I go to the polls.

As  John Milton, a seventeenth-century English poet says “prudence is the virtue by which we discern what is proper to do under various circumstances in time and place.”

Sadly, several bills seeking to make Juneteenth a permanent paid holiday did not pass the Alabama legislature this year.

Is Juneteenth a state holiday every year in Alabama?  Not yet. (msn.com)

Reflecting on how far I’ve come as an adult, my parents would be proud of me for using patience and prudence in this context.

Which states recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday? | Pew Research Center

Each of us has a purpose for our lives.  As a person of color, I’ve had and continue to have opportunities to make a difference daily.

I have learned to understand the importance of the 13^th Amendment and its impact on slavery in America.

Slavery abolished in America with adoption of 13th amendment (history.com)

I’m also encouraged to know lawmakers like Representative Cori Bush are pushing for massive national reparations plans.

Rep. Cori Bush Pushes For $14 Trillion In Reparations (theroot.com)

Although reparations and Juneteenth don’t sit well with many, it’s still a step in the right direction.  I challenge you to think about these three statements: Knowing your history, acknowledging your history; Learning from your history.  If knowing, acknowledging, and learning mean something to you, then you will understand that each build on history, specifically if you grew up in the south. There has been both Injustice and Justice when I think of all that has happened over the years.

Maybe on June 19, 2023, you will remember why so many people of color celebrate Juneteenth and find a reason to celebrate with me.

Maybe, one day, our nation will be less divided.

Maybe, when we hear the word Juneteenth, it will mean something.

I pray that all individuals, regardless of their demographics, race, or age, will come together and celebrate this day in history.