Celebrating Juneteenth with Intention and Action

“Resilience is the heartbeat of liberation; through community, we find the strength to heal and the power to transform.” - Desireé B Stephens

Honoring History, Inspiring Change

As we continue our month-long series celebrating Pride and Juneteenth, today’s focus is on understanding the historical context of Juneteenth. By learning about the history of chattle slavert, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the events leading up to June 19, 1865, we can recognize the significance of this day in the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality.

As we come together to celebrate Juneteenth, it’s crucial to remember that this day is not just a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equity and justice. Juneteenth commemorates the liberation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a call to action for continued activism and advocacy.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, has been celebrated by Black Americans for generations to honor their ancestors. It is important to acknowledge that what was originally asked for were reparations, not a national holiday. As Juneteenth is now a paid government holiday, it’s essential to reflect on how we can contribute to meaningful progress and not perpetuate the exploitation that this holiday represents.

Practicing Praxis: Monthly Commitment to Juneteenth

To truly honor Juneteenth and contribute to lasting change, commit to taking action every 19th of the month. Here are some impactful ways you can make a difference:

Educating Yourself and Others

Understanding the historical context of Juneteenth is essential for honoring its true essence. Spend time learning about the history of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the events leading up to June 19, 1865. Recognize the significance of this day in the context of ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality. Educate yourself and others through books, documentaries, and discussions.

Books to Read:

1. "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson

2. "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram X. Kendi

3. "Juneteenth: A Novel" by Ralph Ellison

Documentaries to Watch:

1. "13th" directed by Ava DuVernay

2. "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution" directed by Stanley Nelson

3. "I Am Not Your Negro" directed by Raoul Peck

Contributions of Black Queer Advocates

1. Barbara Smith: Barbara Smith, a Black lesbian feminist and socialist, has been a significant figure in the fight for racial and LGBTQ+ justice. She co-founded the Combahee River Collective, which emphasized the importance of intersectionality in feminist and civil rights activism.

2. Stormé DeLarverie: Stormé DeLarverie, a Black lesbian activist and performer, played a crucial role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Her bravery and leadership during the riots helped spark the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and she continued to advocate for equality and justice throughout her life.

3. Phill Wilson: Phill Wilson, a Black gay activist, is the founder of the Black AIDS Institute. His work focuses on addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities and advocating for health equity and justice.

Equity in Education and Supporting the Work

My work is centered on providing equitable education and resources to all, which is why this resource is not paywalled. If you find value in this work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support continued efforts in education and advocacy.

Join the Make Shi(f)t Happen Online Healing Community

I also invite you to join the Make Shi(f)t Happen online healing community, where we focus on dismantling barriers and fostering holistic healing. This community is a space for support, growth, and collective action towards liberation.

Pay-What-You-Can Juneteenth Resource Guide

Additionally, I’m offering a pay-what-you-can Juneteenth Resource Guide to ensure that everyone has access to these valuable tools for education and activism. Your contributions help make these resources available to a wider audience.

Thank You for Your Commitment

I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your commitment to honoring Juneteenth with intention and respect. Your efforts to learn, advocate, and support Black communities are invaluable. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society.

Reminder

As a reminder, I will be off tomorrow to observe Juneteenth and reflect on its significance. I encourage you all to take this time to engage in meaningful actions that support Black communities and contribute to the ongoing fight for equity and justice.

Warm regards,
Desireé B Stephens

Quote on Resilience and Community Building

“Resilience is the heartbeat of liberation; through community, we find the strength to heal and the power to transform.” - Desireé B Stephens

Thank you for being a part of this journey towards liberation. Let us continue to honor Juneteenth with intention and action, today and every day.