Toks Olagundoye Instagram – RP: @thetylermerrittproject “Imagine the young black children that learn that the (now) national holiday of Juneteenth is to celebrate the day that their people were “officially” made free.
Imagine having to explain to those same children that Juneteenth wasn’t the end, but only the beginning. That the rest of their lives would be a struggle of unpredictable lows. From the complexity of why people that look like them are still openly murdered in the streets (by those who they believed had taken an oath to protect them), to the simplicity of having to explain to people that don’t look like them why it’s not a good idea to touch their hair.
Imagine having to explain that there will ALWAYS be work that has to be done to continue to fight for our freedom, that the fight for equality is a never ending road.
IMAGINE HAVING TO EXPLAIN THAT THIS IS WHY TODAY WE CELEBRATE WITH A PARTY FAVOR IN ONE HAND AND A FIRM GRIP OF A GAVEL IN THE OTHER.
For my white brothers and sisters, may today not be a day that is shroud in guilt and shame. But instead, a day that allows history to compel you with bravery to do the next right thing. In your neighborhood, community, place of worship, and in your everyday world, may this celebration of Juneteenth anchor you in the strength to simply do the next right thing.
For my black brothers and sisters, let’s go turn up RUN DMC “Proud To Be Black” a little bit louder today! ✊🏿 Much love to you all my friends.”
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#Juneteenth #Freedom #Emancipation | Posted on 20/Jun/2024 02:08:43
