Juneteenth may mark the end of slavery in the United States but must begin with acknowledgement for that bloody time in our history. This Federal holiday asks us to envision new horizons with opportunities for more than hope. Let us note how substantial change comes about, with people making their voices heard loud and clear, through peaceful protests and intentional voting. Looking backwards or forward, regardless, Juneteenth is provocative for it demands that we speak truth and face fact. We are a nation of mostly immigrants, some “Bought, sold, stolen, arriving on a nightmare” but at this moment we are all “Praying for a dream” “on the pulse of this new day” (Angelou).

The No Kings protests that filled avenues from NYC to Seattle with steady streams of citizens outraged by the reach of the current administration hit a new record. “Omar Wasow, an assistant professor in UC Berkeley’s department of political science, told the Guardian that the demonstration was “without question, among the largest single-day protests in history” (The Guardian). Between 4 and 6 million people showed that they are ready for a new horizon and stood strong together.

They marched for brown and black citizens, for Queer and Transgender people, for immigrants, for a free education and health services, for women’s autonomy, for a return to Science in our policy making, for a free press, for sanctioned protests to halt the oppression and gun violence and fear tactics that have become the new normal.

We are marching. After all, it is our First Amendment right to do just that.

Let no one convince you otherwise. “The First Amendment defines five fundamental freedoms – religion, speech, the press, assembly and petition – protected from government interference” (Freedom Forum). A government can’t force their notion of religion on you, nor shut down your right to speak, or control your peaceful assembly. Juneteenth brings renewed courage and historic wisdom, and “celebrates African American resilience and achievement, while preserving history and community traditions” (NMAAHC).

I am grateful that the 46th President, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., made Juneteenth a Federal holiday, because it gives pause where there was none, and now, especially, there is even more to ponder. “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 | 44th President of the United States.