I've been thinking a lot about all the massive parties and celebrations taking place over the newly legislated and passed down holiday Juneteenth. Why are all these festivals occurring exactly? It would seem to me Black people have been declaring their freedom on American soil since July 4, 1776. When the founding fathers assembled to announce the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. Most of these men themselves were indeed slaveowners.
Why then is everyone shouting from the rooftops in celebration of Juneteenth? Wouldn't it make more sense to celebrate in jubilation reparations, or the institution of financial Independence in some sort? The problem with all these holidays declaring freedom and independence is that if you're born the descendants of slaves you have never been free in America. Civil Rights has always been in question for Black people since before the Civil War.
In some states it is still on the books that Blacks, the descendants of Slaves are still recognized as Slaves. In my perspective we are certainly very much treated this way. Namely by those members of fraternal orders that vow to serve and protect us. Black people are twice as likely to be killed at the hands of white police officers than an incurable disease.
In less than 13 months following the murder of George Floyd 229 Black people were killed by Police.
The U.S. government has done absolutely nothing to address this problem. But to appease us our government has made Juneteenth a National Holiday.
They secretly perceive Black gains as being the erosion of their white dominance; therefore the things they do for Black people are kept limited to being symbolic without substance. As with the rapid legislation of this Juneteenth Holiday. This legislation allows them to appease us without giving up any of their position of dominance.
So please tell me again, why all the celebrations of Juneteenth when Black lives remain in doubt daily with almost every encounter with White police officers?
cjj
