Juneteenth: A Reflection on Race in America and the Path to Reconciliation
I am from the Caribbean, so Juneteenth was new to me when I first encountered celebrations in America. It is observed on June 19th each year and carries profound historical and cultural importance for both black (African-American) and probably less so for white Americans since it was their ancestors in this region of America that got rich from forced labor camps.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States and serves as a poignant reminder of the long and endless journey toward racial equality. I suppose since I have not heard of mass parades and even home barbeques by white Americans, this is not something they consider worth celebrating. Besides, wouldn’t they whitewash it and commercialize it to make themselves money?
Juneteenth also prompts us to confront the painful realities of America’s past, the persistent inequalities that prevail today, and the need for reconciliation. I want to discuss a bit about the history of Juneteenth, probe the psychological pillars that support systemic injustice, and offer pathways toward a more just and inclusive America.
The people are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them, become that between employer and hired labor. The freed are advised to remain at their present homes, and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.The Origin and Meaning of Juneteenth
Juneteenth traces its roots to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This belated proclamation in Texas underscores a horrific truth: the delay in emancipation and the subsequent struggle for racial justice in America. Juneteenth stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and liberation, reminding us of the resilience and spirit of the African-American community, despite the lies of white-believing people and their exploitation.
Even today, America continues its legacy of exploiting people it considers less than worthy of being acknowledged as humans. To understand why America still grapples with systemic injustice, we must confront the historical and psychological forces that have shaped its development. The nation’s early prosperity was built upon the backs of enslaved Africans, exploited labor, on the graves of dead Native Americans, and on lands stolen from people living there before Euro-immigration.
The remnants of this exploitative system persist today, with systemic racism perpetuating disparities in education, employment, housing, healthcare, finance, business and land ownership, and criminal justice. The need for fair compensation and equitable treatment remains unaddressed, leading to a cycle of economic and social inequality. I took a deep dive into these issues in my book called Economic Racism (see below for links on how to get a copy on Amazon).
The Psyche of Dominance and Exclusion
The psyche that fuels the exploitation and marginalization of non-white people can be attributed to a complex interplay of historical conditioning, social constructs, and power dynamics. The colonial mindset, rooted in notions of superiority (supported by the doctrine of discovery), guns and ammunition, entitlement, and the pursuit of wealth, drove Europeans to immigrate and colonize foreign lands, always with devastating consequences for indigenous populations.
This psyche of dominance and exclusion continues to influence social and political narratives, perpetuating divisions and fueling discriminatory practices. The mentality still dictates how a white man treats his black staff with micro and macro aggressions. This is why in my company, I saw my white boss give raises and promotions to all the white staff (primarily male) three months after his arrival and said he needed a market study to increase the salaries of the black staff (which never happened). It’s why a white or white-believing police or white vigilante — nowadays, seem to be fusing together — will murder a black man in broad daylight under social media cameras with onlookers with no sense of restraint, shame, or guilt.
Pathways to Reconciliation
Reconciliation requires acknowledging and dismantling systemic inequalities while fostering understanding and empathy among diverse communities. We should vote for this in any upcoming local or federal elections. Our politicians need to implement a plan for reconciliation. They can draw inspiration from successful reconciliation processes in other countries, such as South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Rwanda’s post-genocide reconciliation efforts. To begin the journey towards healing, we must:
- Promote Education and Awareness: Foster comprehensive education on the history of enslavement, systemic racism, and the contributions of marginalized communities to challenge historical narratives and foster empathy.
- Address Systemic Inequalities: Implement policies and reforms that promote equal access to quality education, good healthcare, finance, land, capital, ownership, legal protection, employment, and criminal justice, dismantling systemic barriers perpetuating racial disparities and, frankly, ruining the country.
- Engage in Constructive Dialogue: Encourage open and honest conversations about race, privilege, and inequality to bridge the divide and foster understanding. If we can’t do it, put away American exceptionalism (since everyone in the world knows now how racist America is), and seek help from those countries that have had reconciliation processes. The present process in Southern states of de-educating their citizens with book bans and the like is going backward.
- Empower Marginalized Communities: Support initiatives that promote economic empowerment, access to resources, political power to make and enforce legislation, and equal opportunities for marginalized communities.
Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of racial injustice in America’s history. To forge a brighter future, we must acknowledge the painfully lingering consequences of systemic exploitation and work toward reconciliation. We can collectively build an inclusive America that celebrates all its citizens' diversity and inherent worth by addressing historical wrongs, dismantling systemic barriers, and fostering empathy and understanding.
Sources:
- “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience” by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- “The Psychological Impact of Slavery and its Legacy on Black/African Descendants in the Americas” by Dr. Joseph L. White
- “The Racial Wealth Gap: Addressing America’s Most Pressing Epidemic” by McKinsey & Company
- “Apartheid and the Politics of Reconciliation in South Africa” by Francis Wilson
- “Rwanda’s Journey of Reconciliation: Could it Work Elsewhere?” by United Nations Development Programme
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