JUNE 2021: CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth '21: A Time of Remembering and Celebration.

Last year at this time, myriads of organizations around the country released statements stating that they stand with the Black community, particularly in the wake of the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. Also, at this time last year people learned of Juneteenth, a holiday that was obscure to and unknown by many. The momentum brought Juneteenth to the forefront, galvanizing individuals, and organizations alike to honor the day the final set of enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom.

This year, Juneteenth feels in some ways more...quiet. With the mix of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a restlessness and growing desire to return to a pre-COVID "normal," the momentum and the fire that lit across the United States last year seems to have tapered considerably. But we don't want to get caught in the tide moving back to silence. So today, we take a moment to name and recognize a few things that have happened since this time last year.

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday. 

Many of us never learned about Juneteenth in our history classes growing up. If not for word of mouth, family histories passed down through generations, or Google, many would have considered June 19th as regular as any other day on the calendar. Children today and beyond will not have the same experience. It is exciting to collectively celebrate this special date of emancipation and freedom. But making the holiday official is not enough. It is frustrating to celebrate in the midst of the ongoing injustice that continues today through mass incarceration, trafficking, financial and housing instability, denial of voting rights, and the various ways in which systemic racism continues to hold us in its clutches. 

The man who murdered George Floyd was charged and tried.

Derek Chauvin was declared guilty of all charges raised against him for murdering George Floyd. His sentencing is scheduled for next week, June 25th. While we grieve the violent loss of George Floyd’s life, we also breathe a sigh of relief that Chauvin’s crime is not overlooked. In addition, we render gratitude to Darnella Frazier, who this year was awarded an honorary Pulitzer for her courage to record George Floyd’s last moments.

Connecticut enacted legislation to address racism.

In June 2021, the State of Connecticut officially declared racism as a public health crisis, by passing Senate Bill 01. This piece of legislation commits the state to establishing and implementing a strategic plan to address the impact of racism on health, requires hospital providers to conduct implicit bias training, standardizes race and ethnicity data collection, and beyond. Many of you within and connected to the NAHSE network supported and advocated for this bill, and its impact across the state will be significant.

There are many moments that could be added to this list, both of celebration and lament. We invite you to recall and reflect on the moments that have mattered to you.

Juneteenth 2021 may have a different temperature than it did last year, but this holiday continues to provide space to reflect, celebrate, learn, and honor. And there is no shortage of opportunities to gather with loved ones and members of your community this year. Whether you want to be out and about in your community (vaccinated and (un)masked), or if you prefer to social distance and enjoy some home time, take a look at some of the Juneteenth events and festivities happening around the state of Connecticut and on our screens. 

Here are five ways you can commemorate the holiday this year.

1. New Haven: Juneteenth Food & History Tour. Join a scavenger hunt and self-guided tour of downtown New Haven, while enjoying delicacies from Black-owned restaurants in New Haven featuring food from across the African diaspora.

2. Virtual: Amistad Center for Art & Culture - 30th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. This virtual celebration will feature live music, art, and more celebration - and features two local DJs. Sat. June 19, at 6:15pm.

3. Virtual: Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture from your home, and take a guided tour of the Slavery and Freedom Exhibit. Afterwards, check out the NMAAHC’s rich Juneteenth page, featuring historical overviews, stories, reading lists, as well as other resources and activities for all ages centered on Juneteenth.

4. Waterbury: 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Join this day-long family friendly event in Hamilton Park, featuring local eats, local artists & dance teams, music, games, and beyond. Sat. June 19 from 9:00am - 7:00pm. 

5. Watch ABC’s Special: Together We Triumph. Presented by ABC and hosted by Leslie Odom Jr., this television special was created to honor the history of Juneteenth and elevate Black voices across the country. It features an interview with former President Barack Obama, musical performances, and compelling storytelling. Though this event premieres Friday, June 18th, a replay will be available on Hulu or on demand.

For more ideas of how to celebrate Juneteenth across Connecticut, visit this list.

Take a moment this weekend to think about what freedom means to you. While we honor the memories of those who endured the atrocities of slavery, we also remember those who today who experience modern-day slavery in its various forms. And we reinforce our commitment to ending injustice.

Wishing you and yours a happy, safe, and whole Freedom Day.