I think I was in 3rd or 4th grade when I read a book about Harriet Tubman. That book opened my young mind in a way that I have a difficult time describing. It sensitized me to the plights of slaves and women all at once. Most importantly it kept me keenly aware of social injustices and constantly curious as to what it is to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes”. I guess that’s why Juneteenth is a double edged sword for me. I celebrate the end of slavery, but get damn MAD that people were robbed for years longer than should have been!!!!! And even more seething angry that slavery happened in the first place!!!!!
Man’s inhumanity to man. What an evil spirit grabbed hold in the institution of slavery. Who even treats animals like that. This is significant to the celebration of Juneteenth. Should not be forgotten. I will definitely read your new book
I really appreciate this idea of a sort of mournful Advent season before Juneteenth. As a white woman, I have been wrestling with how to appropriately and respectfully commemorate Juneteenth. Sackcloth and ashes leading up to a day of celebration makes total sense. Thank you for your input! <3
Heather, thanks for your concept for application. I think of Nehemiah how Nehemiah led the people through collective confession.
I think of a book discussion group or going through”American Lament,” as an annual practice, with folks learning together, leading to a black-centered Juneteenth commemoration.
Is it ok to call my pre-Juneteenth season of lament “Lamenteenth”? (along with lament & learning year-round as a spiritual practice similar to confession, practice of examen, & Lent pre-Easter.
“No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.” Frederick Douglas What an image of the legacy of power over another, Jemar.
I think I was in 3rd or 4th grade when I read a book about Harriet Tubman. That book opened my young mind in a way that I have a difficult time describing. It sensitized me to the plights of slaves and women all at once. Most importantly it kept me keenly aware of social injustices and constantly curious as to what it is to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes”. I guess that’s why Juneteenth is a double edged sword for me. I celebrate the end of slavery, but get damn MAD that people were robbed for years longer than should have been!!!!! And even more seething angry that slavery happened in the first place!!!!!
I think about that a lot...these enslaved folks in Texas had to wait TWO YEARS for the news. I can't imagine how agonizing that must have been.
I’m rereading Dr. Jemat Tisby’s articles on Juneteenth.
This one helps me also:
https://thewitnessbcc.com/why-black-and-white-people-should-commemorate-juneteenth-differently/
From the archives! Thanks for sharing.
Man’s inhumanity to man. What an evil spirit grabbed hold in the institution of slavery. Who even treats animals like that. This is significant to the celebration of Juneteenth. Should not be forgotten. I will definitely read your new book
Yes. Such inhumanity. Makes us appreciate emancipation all the more. I hope you enjoy the next book!
Such a painful selection of readings from the narratives. Reading these in full should turn anyone into an activist.
Yes. Learning this history should animate activism!
One hundred percent! Learning this history should animate activism!
I tell my students and any who listen, I grew out of Christian Nationalism through advanced studies and saw the bones in the closet.
I really appreciate this idea of a sort of mournful Advent season before Juneteenth. As a white woman, I have been wrestling with how to appropriately and respectfully commemorate Juneteenth. Sackcloth and ashes leading up to a day of celebration makes total sense. Thank you for your input! <3
You put it much better than I did. Thank you for reading.
Heather, thanks for your concept for application. I think of Nehemiah how Nehemiah led the people through collective confession.
I think of a book discussion group or going through”American Lament,” as an annual practice, with folks learning together, leading to a black-centered Juneteenth commemoration.
I find this resource very impactful:
Amer. Lament, https://repentanceproject.org/an-american-lament/ (American Lent also)
Is it ok to call my pre-Juneteenth season of lament “Lamenteenth”? (along with lament & learning year-round as a spiritual practice similar to confession, practice of examen, & Lent pre-Easter.
Hmm. I believe what you're doing is different, but this is the first thought I had. I think it's there's room for conversation.
https://jemartisby.substack.com/p/folks-will-mess-up-juneteenthbut
“No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.” Frederick Douglas What an image of the legacy of power over another, Jemar.
Yes. That quote always reminds me that slavery wasn’t just a problem for Black people but white people as well.