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TygrBright

(20,733 posts)
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 11:31 AM Jun 2020

Thoughts on Celebrating Juneteenth

First thought: I think there are reasons for Americans who are not black to celebrate Juneteenth. It marks a major occasion when lying to black people about their status to keep them in bondage was no longer possible.

I think it's important for white me to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate when a particular door to shitty racist behavior closed for white people.

I think it's important for white me to acknowledge, honor and celebrate when a major racial injustice perpetrated by white people was brought to an end.

Second thought: Black people have the right and the option to define Juneteenth as a holiday and white me wants to respect and honor and celebrate that definition.

But I do worry that if Juneteenth becomes "a black holiday" it will forever get pigeonholed and marginalized and its real significance might be lost. White me thinks it would be best as an American holiday. Like Independence Day. Very like that.

Third thought: Maybe the way white me can most respectfully celebrate this holiday is by LISTENING to the voices and thoughts of black Americans on their experiences.

So my celebration today begins by looking for the first-person stories of black Americans, historical and contemporary, on how racism is experienced, and how we can change it.

hopefully,
Bright

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Thoughts on Celebrating Juneteenth (Original Post) TygrBright Jun 2020 OP
It's an EXCELLENT excuse for a party. Laelth Jun 2020 #1
Why are you worried about it becoming a black holiday? Its been a black holiday for a 140 plus SweetieD Jun 2020 #2

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
1. It's an EXCELLENT excuse for a party.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 11:35 AM
Jun 2020

If it were not for the novel coronavirus, I would throw one. I am happy to take all the party opportunities that I can get. Juneteenth marks a GOOD DAY in our history. It should be celebrated.



-Laelth

SweetieD

(1,660 posts)
2. Why are you worried about it becoming a black holiday? Its been a black holiday for a 140 plus
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 11:53 AM
Jun 2020

Years. So I'm not sure why you would be concerned about it becoming one.

I'm black and never once celebrated Juneteenth. I knew about it of course. But I always considered it more of a regional celebration that people did in Texas. Although I've met black people in other parts of the South especially Florida that would have celebrations.

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