A Brief History of Enslavement in the US

What is Juneteenth?

What is mass incarceration?

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Most of us were taught that slavery came to an end when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But as is so often the case, the full promise of this country was delayed for segments of the African-American community. And for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, freedom didn’t come until June 19, 1865.⁣ ⁣ And what I love about #Juneteenth is that even in that extended wait, we still find something to celebrate. Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress. I think of my own family’s journey. Both of my grandfathers were the grandchildren of enslaved people. They grew up in the Jim Crow South and migrated north in search of a better life. But even then, they were still shut out of jobs and schools and opportunities because of the color of their skin. But they pressed forward with dignity and with purpose, raising good kids, contributing to their communities, and voting in every election. And though they didn’t live to see it themselves, I can see the smiles on their faces knowing that their great-granddaughters ended up playing ball in the halls of the White House—a magnificent structure built by enslaved Americans.⁣ ⁣ All across the country, there are so many more parts to this story—the generations of families whose work and service and protest has led us forward, even if the promise we seek is often delayed. This Juneteenth, let’s all pledge to keep using our voices—and our votes—to keep that story marching forward for our own children, and theirs.

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Five years ago the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth fell no more than a day after nine Black people were gunned down while praying after giving sanctuary to a white terrorist. . Black People: How will you celebrate the day? In the words of the great Tabitha Brown, “Have yourself an AMAZING day.” And drop your pay info (PayPal/CashApp/Venmo/Zelle) in the comments if you need a little plate-passing to set your celebration off right! May you experience whatever pleasure and/or epiphany you need to know for sure that your life matters and is worthy of ultimate peace and comfort. . Those who are non-White and wish to honor this day, swipe left to see 10 Black organizations you can put your research and resources into right now. Note that I did not put their IG account names; this was intentional, as I am not certain their spaces were made for your consumption, even if they are publicly accessible. . White People in Particular: If you happen to have been given this day off by your state or workplace, I challenge you to commit your day’s pay to one of these organizations, or anyone in the comments. Not for me but for your own self: run them their coin and give thanks for their existence. . Alright, enough from me—I’m headed to the beach. Selah! 🏝 . [Image Description—this is a 2-slide post: Slide 1 is a white panel with an old gold border featuring a snapshot of a Facebook memory from Tracie’s account made on June 19, 2015. It reads as follows, “Today is the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth. DAMN the irony, tho…how will YOU celebrate, Blackfolk?” Slide 2 is a second white panel with another gold border. On it is a list of 10 Black organizations., including Trans Women of Color Collective, Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Ubuntu, Inc., Black Trans Futures, Black Trans Prayer Book, Black Trans Femmes in the Arts, The Okra Project, Masahkane Center for Sex Ed, For the Gworls, and The Gran Varones.] . . . . #Juneteenth #blackpeople #Pride🌈 #Black #race #healing #blacksexuality #tsob #blacklivesmatter #pleasure #music #blackculture #sexeducation #blackliberation #blackisbeautiful #blackfutures #blackfamily #blacklove #blackpower #sexuality #sexed #blacksexeducators

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