Dear John,

The 19th day of June marks Juneteenth—or if you know it by its official federal name, Juneteenth National Independence Day.

It’s Freedom Day. 

It’s Black Independence Day. 

It’s Emancipation Day.

A day to remember the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. In Texas, we are also called to remember and acknowledge that we were the last state within the confederacy to let go of institutional slavery in 1865.

In 2022, grocery shopping, sleeping in your own bed, playing in your own neighborhood, worshipping in your own congregation, or simply just existing can still be dangerous while Black in America. All while Black voters' voices are silenced at the ballot box through voter suppression laws, and the true history of America is being whitewashed in public school curriculums. 

We've still got so far to go in creating an America that truly offers freedom for ALL. In honor of Juneteenth, we'd like to share what true Black allyship should look like today, and frankly, every day:

• Read Black authors, historians, and documentary makers; share their work and believe them.
  
  
• Learn about Black history!
  
  
• Challenge and educate others in your spaces who haven’t had the opportunity to learn about Black history.
  
  
• Show up to school board meetings and add your voice to the conversation in support for inclusive lessons.
  
  
• Vote for candidates who care about the truths that unite us rather than divide us.
  
  
• Hire Black Professionals. This involves recognizing and ending racial biases in hiring, as well as creating a workplace environment that truly values diversity beyond paperwork.
  
  
• Question your own biases!

As we commemorate Juneteenth, I urge you to go beyond celebration. Listen, learn, act—and remember that when someone calls you in for your behavior, it's not a personal attack. It's an opportunity for you to become a better ally, because examining your own biases will never hurt as much as experiencing actual racism.

In the fight,

Caleb Ajinomoh
TFN Communications Coordinator

TFN is a statewide non-partisan, grassroots organization that is building an informed and effective movement working toward equality and social justice.
Texas Freedom Network
P.O. Box 1624
Austin, TX 78767
United States 
Phone: (512) 322-0545

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