Juneteenth: Sweet Freedom

June 27, 2023July 7, 2023 R.L. Witter

I recently found myself categorized by the under-thirty set as one of those “older folks.” I don’t mind so much—partly because it’s true, but also because I look neither my age nor like what I’ve been through. God continues to be good!

I’m a member of Generation X. Born in the 1970s, most things were already established by the time I came along. We already had color TV and touch tone phones. My parents’ cars had automatic transmissions and electric windows, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had already been in place for a minute, cable TV was taking hold, and we had a microwave oven.

I recall the first, big, cultural milestone of my life—when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was approved by the Federal Government. At that time, I think I was more excited about having the day off from school, but I knew it was a HUGE deal because we didn’t have any other holidays celebrating a Black man (I don’t count Christmas because too many people still believe and argue Jesus had blonde hair and blue eyes). I remember Stevie Wonder singing and wearing an MLK Day sweatshirt.

Realizing that happened more than 40 years ago definitely makes me feel middle aged. But when Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2022 and we got a day off for that… Being alive for the inauguration of not one but TWO new national holidays sent me googling how to get an AARP card!

But seriously, I am beyond grateful for the Juneteenth holiday. Not just for having a day off, but for having something to celebrate our freedom. Most of my white friends found it odd that “we” didn’t celebrate Independence Day, July 4th with the same excitement, zeal, and reverence they did. For them, it was a day of national pride, flag waving, paper hats, and streamers—the day their ancestors celebrated their independence from England! For us, it was a day when Dad might throw something on the grill, Mom might make some potato salad, my cousins might visit, and we could watch the Macy’s fireworks.

Now, with Juneteenth recognized, researched, and celebrated by Americans of all hues andraces, it feels like a celebration of freedom! I can only imagine theway those formerly enslaved people danced, sang, and shouted upon receiving the news of their “freedom” two years after it had been granted. No, Juneteenth didn’t magically end racism, segregation, discrimination, or anything else for that matter.

However, today, it gives me pride in celebrating something for OUR people. And I know there’s going to be something on that grill, a game of spades or dominoes with friends and family, Frankie Beverly and Maze and Kool & The Gang handling the music, and there’ll be some of the best potato salad to ever cross my lips. Ah, the sweet taste of freedom.