Juneteenth – let kindness win

The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves held in confederate states on January 1, 1863. But it wasn’t until the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865 that slavery was abolished in the entire country.

The Civil War ended in April and on June 19th of 1865 the Union Army made its way to Galveston, Texas to remind slave owners of their duty to set people free. Hence the celebration now recognized as our national holiday, Juneteenth.

Ah, but that slow boat to progress grinds on.

It wasn’t until the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 that formerly enslaved people were granted citizenship, due process and equal protection. Voting rights were granted to all male citizens by the 15th Amendment in 1870.

In October 1913, W.E.B. Du Bois and the NAACP celebrated the African diaspora and the progress made towards freedom. These celebrations have continued. They signify times of reflection and pride throughout the United States and Caribbean nations. They are an affirmation of the resilience of the People.

In the ongoing struggles of systemic racism and the whitewashing of our history, the continued resurgence of Juneteenth showcases the strength and the courage of our Black family.

It was an honor to participate in Baraboo’s first ever celebration of Juneteenth. Music, poetry, family, faith, food and brutal honesty mingled with love in the heart of Baraboo, and hosted by Humility, Inc.

“We Do This ‘Til We Free Us” is Mariame Kabe’s determined title to her book on human abolition / emancipation and community. We have so very much to learn from one another. Maybe next year I’ll trek to Milwaukee where Juneteenth has been celebrated for the past fifty- three years.

Let us never turn back the clock.