Juneteenth: Free-ish Since 1865

Juneteenth is the celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This American holiday is nationally celebrated and recognized. Today emphasizes achievement and education succeeding the freedom of African Americans from bondage on June 19,1865. On this day in Texas, the abolition of slavery was in accordance with the proclamation from the Executive Branch of the United States.

Although this was a day that provided relief, hope and freedom for many enslaved African Americans, it was hardly the recipe for celebration. Slaves were far from free. In fact, some were forced to continue working for several more years, they were beaten and further antagonized. After hearing the news of liberation, a large number of slaves fled on foot and by water, as a result, many were captured and murdered.

Juneteenth marked a day in history in which our ancestors finally had a glimmer of hope to cling to. However, I cant help to think that some almost 200 years later, African Americans still encounter racial profiling, recurring discrimination and inequality. That police shootings and killings have desensitized the public when it comes to senseless acts of violence. That one of the most uneducated, ignorant, and hateful human beings was elected the 45th president of the United States. While I would love to be in celebration mode, the reality of where we stand as a country today is less than remarkable. We've made progress, but we are a long way from fully acclaiming and adopting the things that Martin Luther King Jr. desired in his " I Have A Dream " speech-- the fight for freedom is far from over.

Although, great strides have been made toward uniting people of all races, only an appreciation for the difficult past and working together will change the future and really bring about the completion of what started in 1865. Nonetheless the emancipation of slaves on June 19,1865, created an unmatched sense of jubilation for our ancestors and that alone is something to remember. Happy Juneeteenth!