Juneteenth 2021
Photo by Heather Mount on Unsplash.
This Saturday, we are observing Juneteenth, the day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It recently became a U.S. public holiday.
Origin
In January of 1863, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which outlawed slavery in the southern states, went into effect. However, while this was “official”, it was not actually enforced.
In fact, it was not until June 19, 1865 — nearly 2.5 years after slavery was outlawed — that still slaves in Texas would learn that they were officially free.
June + 19th = Juneteenth
Importance
Slavery was an institution in both Canada and the United States.
As Canadians engaged in anti-racism work, it is important that we understand and remember the impact of slavery today on Black people, as well as on our current systems and institutions.
Juneteenth reminds us that illegality is not always a solution for everyone.
Black people’s civil rights and freedom have continued to be denied and disputed. These injustices, like police brutality or voter suppression, are not random, isolated events. They are part of a historic pattern of anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination.
We encourage you to learn, reflect, and take action this Juneteenth. Here are a few places to begin:
Educate yourself: read, watch, and listen (see our resources below)
Support Black-owned businesses
Follow Black voices on social media (i.e. Twitter, Instagram, Medium, etc.)
Resources
History of Juneteenth
Podcast: “The History of Juneteenth” – Fresh Air by NPR
Watch: “What is Juneteenth, and why is it so important?” – The Root
“What Is Juneteenth, How Is It Celebrated, and Why Does It Matter?” by Jameelah Nasheed, Teen Vogue
“How slavery became America’s first big business” by P.R. Lockhart, Vox
Anti-Black Racism in Canada
Watch: “28 Moments of Black Canadian History: Slavery in Canada” – Unilearnal
Watch: “Being black in B.C.” – CBC News
“Black Enslavement in Canada” by Natasha L. Henry, The Canadian Encyclopedia
“Canada to designate August 1 as Emancipation Day” – Global News
Importance of Juneteenth today
“5 things people still get wrong about slavery” by Karen Turner and Jessica Machado, Vox
“Black Joy—Not Corporate Acknowledgment—Is the Heart of Juneteenth” by Kellie Carter Jackson, The Atlantic
“Black Voters Matter to Kick Off “Freedom Ride” for Voting Rights on Juneteenth” by Donna M. Owens, Essence
Watch: “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Liberation & Day to Remember “Horrific System That Was Slavery”” – Democracy Now!
