Celebrating Juneteenth

As an elementary school student my son came home and articulated his frustration with the lack of diversity presented in American history. I will never forget his exclamation. “Mom, I’ve had enough of peanuts!” His comment was in response to another American history lesson on George Washington Carver. It succinctly captured the sentiments of those children who do not see themselves in the school curricula…inclusivity can be seen and felt on multiple levels not just in terms of cultural background, gender, or socioeconomic status.

“As a mother of Black sons, I know the world can be harsh, unkind, and unforgiving to them. It pains me to admit it but all is not equal, not yet…The nation we build today comes with lingering effects for our children and grandchildren tomorrow.” - Rites of Passage: Raising Sons to be Men of Standard

Freedom has a cost and the cost of being born Black in America is accompanied by a history of systemic barriers, unrelenting struggle, and overcoming adversity. What I have endured in my lifetime is not worthy to be compared to the horrors of slavery. But for grace, I could have born in a different time, enslaved, without freedom….ponder that! It could have been me. It’s one reason I am grateful and do not take civil rights and the freedom in America for granted.

People choose to believe what they want about American history; it does not make the truth less true. Let us be courageous: speak truth, honor the sacrifices, and celebrate the progress!

Juneteenth - Happy Independence Day!

#Juneteenth

#Blackhistory

#Blackexcellence

#ritesofpassage

#gratitude