Letter From the Editor: Celebrating Juneteenth and Support for Reparations
On June 19th, 1865, the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free. This day is special because it reminds us of the joy and relief that freedom brings.
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As I reflect on Juneteenth, I feel a solemn connection to my race and our ancestors. I remember the stories of the horrific conditions they endured. I recall the cotton-picking days, where as a child, I would bring water to the adults working in the fields.
Often, I spilled half of it and spent the entire day refilling. It later dawned on me that this task was meant to keep us children out of the adults’ way.
My family owned land and worked as farmers, construction workers, maids, chitlin club owners, sewing factories and later office workers. Despite the hard labor and poverty, we found happiness through the strength of God. We knew no other way of life. We did not know we were poor because most of us lived in our own communities.
Everybody was the same. Everybody went to church on Sunday mornings. Today, my life is vastly different. I celebrate Juneteenth in memory of : my ancestors, the civil rights movement, its leaders, and the people who fought and died for our freedom and most importantly, I am thankful for the protection, grace and mercy of God.
However, I can’t ignore the grave injustice that still exists. This wealthy country often makes excuses not to rectify the wrongs done to African Americans, yet readily supports others.
Young black men are becoming increasingly angry due to a deep-seated feeling of injustice rooted in the legacy of slavery.
This feeling is intensified by the subtle, quiet racism they face daily, such as disparaging looks, biased news reports, last hired but first fired, or unfair treatment abroad fueled by negative stereotypes from Americans. They may not fully understand that these experiences embedded into their subconsciousnesses are what is truly bothering them.
African Americans have paid a heavy price, and it is our faith in God that has allowed us to persevere. We have become teachers, inventors, doctors, and lawyers against all odds. Our ability to create something out of nothing is a testament to our greatness.
Note that many of our inventions were stolen, patent by the slave masters or employers.
Let’s continue this important conversation.
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African Americans have made significant contributions to the United States’ innovation and technology landscape. Historically, African Americans have accounted for approximately 2.7% of all patents filed in the U.S. This is a notable share, especially considering the many barriers they faced, including discrimination and lack of access to resources. During the period from 1870 to 1940, African Americans were responsible for around 50,000 patents, which is more than many immigrant groups except for those from England and Germany (Brookings) (Statistical Modeling@Web) (The Network Journal).
In the Bible, the Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt. God sent Moses to lead them out, and they finally escaped to freedom. This story shows us how important it is to be free and how God helps us. Juneteenth is like that story.
After many years of suffering, African Americans were finally told they were free. However, even though the Civil War was not mainly about freeing slaves, but about keeping the country together, God had a plan. He used this war to end slavery, showing His power and love.
Galatians 5:1 (KJV): “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Now, let’s talk about reparations. Reparations mean making amends for wrongs done. For African Americans, this means getting compensation for the cruelty, loss of land, and lives during slavery. When enslaved people lost their land, they also lost generational wealth, pushing many into low-wage jobs and poverty for generations.
This loss of land and wealth has had a lasting impact, with many families struggling to recover. The bloodline of African Americans was also infiltrated by slave masters, creating a complex legacy of pain and disruption.
While money alone cannot make up for these injustices, it could help with recovery, especially with the possibility of future wars and economic challenges.
Reparations can help heal the wounds of the past and build a better future. It acknowledges the wrongs done and works to make things right. It’s a way to show that we understand the pain and are committed to justice.
Remember, freedom is a precious gift from God. On this Juneteenth, let’s celebrate the freedom we have and continue to seek justice for everyone. God’s love and justice are for all His people.
Reflective Questions
- How does the story of the Jews’ freedom in the Bible relate to Juneteenth?
- Why is it important to seek reparations for African Americans?
- How can we continue to fight for justice and equality today?
May our “Living Hope” find you faithful,
Angela Clark, M.Ed.
ePrayer Circle
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Keywords: Juneteenth, freedom, slavery, African Americans, reparations, Civil War, Bible, Jews, Moses, justice, generational wealth, poverty, bloodline, #jesus christ
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