By Clarissa Hartzog
Director of Opportunity Programs
Chair of the Mission Diversity Committee.
Juneteenth might appear to be just another holiday, but this day holds great significance in American History. On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, enslaved African Americans received news of their freedom two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth acknowledges America’s dark history, recognizes the perseverance of the African American community, and serves as a call-to action for more change.
President Joe Biden and Congress moved to make Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021 following the nationwide protests against police brutality and 156 years after the Juneteenth’s first observance. Despite the appearance of progress, Juneteenth is still met with great opposition. Many states are still slow to recognize Juneteenth and, instead, continue to honor Confederate holidays. This resistance is a reminder there are some who continue to work against racial, social, and economic justice.
With all the recent events, we need to examine our role in bringing about more change in this nation. On this Juneteenth, please consider for a moment the impact we can have on those within the African American community with these questions:
- How can we help to empower those within marginalized groups through our daily habits and routines?
- How are we living out the Maria values of service, hospitality, diversity, and justice to those within the Maria community and beyond?
- What is the internal and external work needed to limit the disparities of other groups?
In the great words of Cornel West, “None of us alone can save the nation or the world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so.” Juneteenth is not merely a holiday, but a movement.
References:
https://www.npr.org/2022/06/15/1105293158/states-slow-to-make-juneteenth-paid-holiday