Juneteenth and Freedom Today
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For the past couple of years, I have written articles about Juneteenth. This year it's ironic because as we approach Juneteenth I'm also finishing a series on freedom. From the tragic story of Ajike "AJ" Owens (which we covered last week) to the importance of voting rights and the freedom of choice, we are experiencing ongoing struggles for freedom in our society. Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, serves as a poignant reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. In this final article, we will connect the themes of freedom to Juneteenth, emphasizing on the significance of unity, equality, and the roles we play. When we consider AJ's heartbreaking story through the lens of freedom from want and fear, we are confronted with the stark reality of systemic racism and the violation of human rights. Her tragic death highlights the deep-rooted injustices that still plague our society. Just as President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlined the four essential freedoms, we must recognize that freedom from want and fear are critical components of our democracy.
The color of AJ's skin became an obstacle to her basic needs, safety, and security. Her story is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom reaches beyond Juneteenth and requires our commitment to standing up against racism and discrimination in every aspect.
Throughout history, the right to vote has been a cornerstone of our democracy, and yet it has been consistently challenged and suppressed, particularly for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Americans. From literacy tests to poll taxes, numerous obstacles were placed to prevent Black individuals from exercising their constitutional right to vote. The passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act marked crucial milestones in dismantling these barriers. However, the threat to voting rights persists, with gerrymandering serving as a tool to manipulate electoral outcomes. Speaking of gerrymandering, thank God for the Supreme Court ruling against Alabama's electoral map drawn by the state's Republican-dominated legislature. (We will talk more about that another day.) Anyway, we must remain vigilant, educate ourselves, and actively combat voter suppression tactics. Every vote is a credit to the struggles endured by our ancestors and shows the importance of preserving and expanding this fundamental right.
Freedom of choice also lies at the heart of our democracy, acknowledging individuals' power to make decisions that shape their lives without infringing on the rights of others. Threats to this freedom, such as attempts to overturn Roe v. Wade, censorship, and discrimination, impede our ability to exercise autonomy over our bodies, access diverse perspectives, and live free from unjust constraints. We must fight against any measures that limit our access to information, restrict our choices, or enforce conformity to a specific set of ideals. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor the struggles of those who fought for freedom by embracing the responsibility to preserve and expand the freedom of choice for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, or beliefs.
As we navigate the current state of our society, it is evident that our shared values and sense of unity are eroding. We must recognize the importance of these qualities and how they are foundational to our freedom. Embracing diversity, empathizing with one another, and practicing love and acceptance are essential to safeguarding our freedom and promoting a just society. Labels such as "woke" should not be used as weapons to divide us, but rather as a reminder to be actively engaged with important issues in our society and strive for equity and justice. By embracing compassion and understanding, we can overcome our differences and foster an environment where everyone's freedom is valued and respected.
Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we have made in the fight for freedom, but it also compels us to reflect on the work that remains today. I hope that you see the connection to the themes we explored about our freedom in this series to Juneteenth It is my hope that we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of equity, justice, and unity. So, let's honor the past, celebrate the present but also be mindful and protect our freedom today.
Happy Juneteenth!!!
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) is Collection Development and Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-President of the Greater Grand Rapids History Council; member of the Grand Rapids Study Club and serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library, Board of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She is a former Head of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library and former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library.
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