Eridanus

So first, let's clear a common misconception: no, President Abraham Lincoln did not love Black people nor see them as human equals. At best he was centrist about it (though, even his implication that 'exceptional' Black men ought to vote got him assassinated).

"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do, it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union...I have here stated my purpose according to my view of official duty; and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men everywhere could be free."

The "freeing of slaves" after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 was meant to kneecap the economic and military powers of the seceded South. Lettuce stop making a white savior figure out of Lincoln, or thinking that my people's shackles were unchained via anything other than desperate war strategy and extreme violence. Think on that, for a moment.

That being said!

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.

This is a great post. Juneteenth is so important to recognize.

As a kid, I remember going to large celebrations for Juneteenth full of fellow Black folks. There was heaps of BBQ, lively music and local market goods. I didn't fully understand or appreciate it then. It also wasn't taught or mentioned at school either. I'm glad a light is now being shone on this important day.

Juneteenth (June 19): basic definition

"It celebrates the emancipation of enslaved [Black] people in the US. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation."

-Oxford Dictionary

Juneteenth marks the last of the enslaved Black American people being told they were free. This happened on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas.

This day is a powerful symbol of deferred justice. Justice, respect and the right to live in peace and love that we're very much still fighting for.

I encourage all Black people to celebrate this day in whichever way that looks like. Do something that makes you happy. And by "doing something" that could very well just be relaxing (as is my plan for today; after writing this, I'll be escaping into a book!).

Black joy and rest is important. Both are acts of resistance.

All can celebrate this day, today and well beyond, by supporting Black people in your daily lives.

In the stories you as writers, write (Include us as nuanced main characters! Give us our moments, love, happy endings!)

In the authors you read and recommend.

The artists, musicians, creators and makers you support.

The people, places and causes you put your time, voice and money towards.

It all makes a difference and is seen.

Happy Juneteenth.

Love to you all, from the WritingWithColor team and me