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Tomorrow we commemorate Juneteenth. It's a day that represents the end of the brutal system of slavery in America, and it must be celebrated. But while celebrating the end to one brutal system, we must not lose sight of the other forms of oppression that continue today.
From our racist cradle to prison pipeline, to our segregated schools, to hateful rhetoric from our most powerful leaders, you cannot look at our nation today without recognizing that Black people are not yet truly free in this country.
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I reflect on my own experiences as a Black man in America, and I'm thankful that I was able to go to college, that I am paid for my work, that I'm able to marry whoever I want. But I want more for myself and for my community. I want Black people to be able to walk down the street and not be harassed or even killed because of the color of their skin. I want Black people to know that what they say matters and will not be dismissed because they are Black. I want Black parents to not have to worry about where their children go, for fear of somebody else's actions.
So this Juneteenth, I encourage my Black friends to celebrate the progress we've made while continuing to fight and hold our leaders and our communities accountable. I encourage my white friends to show up, speak up, and stand in solidarity with Black people, recognizing that every privilege they've experienced in life has been at the expense of Black lives.
America should celebrate Black life and Black freedom every day, not once or twice a year. We should celebrate Black life by protecting Black people, not out of fear of backlash, or because it's trendy, but because this country was built by Black people and the future of our nation depends on the lives of Black people.
In solidarity,
Joshua Stewart
Communications Associate
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