"Juneteenth is meant to be a celebration of freedom historically and progress today. But right now, with both government and societal forces denying that history and reversing that progress, it can be hard to celebrate as a Black American. "When leaders from Washington to New York view diversity, equity, and inclusion as something to eliminate rather than celebrate, when both the heroes and the harms of our history are being erased, it can be hard to celebrate. "When we are barely clinging to the gains of the past decades, instead of continuing forward toward equity, it can be hard to celebrate. Enslaved people in Texas did not learn of their freedom until two years after it had been declared. Black Americans today are still waiting for true liberation. "Liberation tears down systems of injustice propped up by the powerful, regardless of their race. As we have seen, and are currently experiencing, it’s not enough for Black individuals to advance and amass power if that power is not also for the people, that advancement for the movement. "And yet – we still celebrate today. We celebrate the principles we fight for, the people who have fought, the people still fighting. We celebrate the perseverance of our ancestors and the resilience of our neighbors. We celebrate the spirit that will keep us marching on 'til victory is won."
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