Posted on 19th June, 2020
It is Juneteenth today. This special day marks the end of slavery in the U.S.A. Since June 19, 1865, this day was celebrated as a day of freedom. The name is the combination of the words June and 19th and it is commemorated in nearly all US states. Celebrated in black communities every year, Juneteenth also known as Emancipation Day or Jubilee Day is drawing a lot more attention this year, given the sweeping changes and the protests across our country.
Slavery ended in 1865 in the US, however, racism persists in countless forms. 19 June is the day when we all should reflect, raise awareness, and show our support. We celebrate this day of freedom once a year, but we can do something every day, to make discrimination, hatred, and racism disappear.
This day reminds me of Jodi Picoult's novel, the "Small Great Things". The book's title is a reference to one of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's quote: "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things that are great."
Our country is in the middle of a massive transformation. We are all in the middle of a massive transformation. This is a time to evaluate our beliefs and actions. I do not know how is to be discriminated because of the color of my skin. I know that there are changes that need to happen and I'm fully supporting those, who are brave enough to make those changes. Lisa Nichols and Oprah Winfrey are brilliant examples of women who can make a difference. We need to become aware, accept, embrace, the differences, and start celebrating our uniqueness. We need to become aware that lives matter. Black Lives Matter.
