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Ponder
In celebration of Juneteenth – the federal holiday in the United States commemorating emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture….
Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do. ~Barack Obama
You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom. ~Malcolm X
Emancipation was as a result of dedication, hard work, speaking up, and speaking out. For people like me who believe in speaking up and speaking out, for times when we feel overwhelmed, or that laws and the world is moving backwards, it gives me hope. ~Sikemi Okunrinboye
Juneteenth may mark just one moment in the struggle for emancipation, but the holiday gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved Black Americans to the cause of human freedom. ~Jamelle Bouie
June 19th reminds me that I am the force of power to change this world and to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors to work towards liberation. ~Mariah Cooley
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. ~Martin Luther King Jr.
Won’t it be wonderful when Black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history. ~Maya Angelou
Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another. ~Toni Morrison
What I love about Juneteenth is that even in that extended wait, we still find something to celebrate. Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress. ~Michelle Obama
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