Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection
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Introduction
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day holds profound significance as a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the long, ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
The Historical Significance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, proclaiming the freedom of all enslaved people in the state. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had legally freed slaves in the Confederate states on January 1, 1863. The delay in enforcement underscores the challenges of ending slavery and the deep-rooted resistance to change.
Juneteenth symbolizes the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of African Americans. It is a day to honor the contributions of Black Americans to society and recognize ‘their’ ongoing fight for equality.
Systemic Racism in Modern America
Despite the progress since 1865, systemic racism persists in various forms within the United States. Systemic racism refers to the entrenched policies and practices within institutions that disproportionately affect people of color. It manifests in numerous sectors, including criminal justice, education, employment, housing, and healthcare.
Criminal Justice
The criminal justice system is a glaring example of systemic racism. African Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of white Americans. Disparities in sentencing, police brutality, and racial profiling continue to plague communities of color. For instance, the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 sparked global protests and highlighted the urgent need for police reform.
Education
Educational inequities are also prevalent. Schools in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods often receive less funding, have less experienced teachers, and offer fewer advanced courses compared to schools in predominantly white areas. The achievement gap between white students and students of color remains significant, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities.
Employment and Economic Disparities
Racial discrimination in the labor market contributes to significant wage gaps. Black workers earn less than their white counterparts and face higher unemployment rates. According to the Economic Policy Institute, in 2020, the median hourly wage for Black workers was 75.6% of the median wage for white workers.
Housing
Discriminatory housing policies, such as redlining and predatory lending, have historically prevented Black families from owning homes and building wealth. The legacy of these practices continues to impact homeownership rates and wealth accumulation. The Urban Institute found that Black homeownership rates were significantly lower than those of white households, contributing to a substantial racial wealth gap.
Healthcare
Racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes are stark. Black Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions, receive lower quality care, and have higher mortality rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities, with Black and Latino communities experiencing disproportionately higher rates of infection and death.
Government Policies and Practices
State and federal government agencies have been implicated in perpetuating systemic racism through policies that appear neutral but have discriminatory effects. The United States government is guilty of multiple human rights abuses and fundamental freedoms and knowingly continues to do so with impunity. (United Nations OHCHR)
Examples include:
- Voter Suppression: Laws that impose strict voter ID requirements, reduce early voting, and purge voter rolls disproportionately affect communities of color, undermining their political power and representation.
- Immigration Enforcement: Practices by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often target individuals based on their race and national origin, leading to disproportionate detentions and deportations of people from Latin American countries.
- Sentencing Laws: Federal and state sentencing guidelines, particularly for drug offenses, have disproportionately impacted Black and Latino individuals. The harsh penalties for crack cocaine versus powder cocaine, for example, have led to significant racial disparities in incarceration rates.
- Housing Policies: Federal housing policies have historically discriminated against people of color, and current practices continue to reflect these biases. For example, mortgage lending discrimination remains a significant barrier for Black and Latino homebuyers.
The Path Forward
Recognizing the reality of systemic racism is the first step toward meaningful change. It requires a commitment to examining and dismantling discriminatory practices within all institutions. Advocacy for policy reforms, increased funding for education and healthcare in underserved communities, and criminal justice reform are crucial steps toward achieving equity.
On Juneteenth, as freedom is celebrated, let us also reaffirm our commitment to fighting for justice and equality. By acknowledging the ongoing struggles and working collectively to address systemic racism, we honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and pave the way for a more just and equitable society.
Sources
- NAACP Legal Defense Fund. (2020). “Justice in Policing Act.” Retrieved from naacpldf.org.
- Economic Policy Institute. (2020). “Black-White Wage Gaps Expand with Rising Wage Inequality.” Retrieved from epi.org.
- Urban Institute. (2019). “Housing Discrimination Still Plagues the U.S.” Retrieved from urban.org.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). “Health Disparities.” Retrieved from cdc.gov.
By understanding and addressing these issues, we can ensure that Juneteenth is not just a day of celebration, but also a call to action for a fair and just future for all.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
