Published:
Friday, June 14, 2024
“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free” Fannie Lou Hamer
Juneteenth is more than a simple story of freedom. It is also a story of liberation delayed for 250,000 enslaved people in Texas who learned about their status as freed people two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863.
This year, as we celebrate the joy of Juneteenth, I call on all of us to consider the ways in which freedom for Black people remains partial, elusive, and – in too many cases – outright denied. Throughout this message, I’ve included links I offer as an opportunity to reflect and learn more.
More than 150 years after the end of slavery in this country, as a Black woman, I am waiting and watching for our society to see the worthiness of those who identify as Black women; to allow us to hold power, take up space, and fully embrace our whole beings – not as a threat, not as people who are “less than,” but as an asset.
People who identify as Black women, and Black trans women in particular, face multiple, often overlapping oppressions and disparities. Black trans women are more likely to be targets of violent crime and access to gender-affirming care is being blocked around the country, with states passing laws making it illegal to receive the care they need to live as their whole selves.
At a time when reproductive rights are under assault in our country, Black women already face higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. And providers are less likely to believe Black women when they say they are in pain.
Hostility to Black women in the workplace, especially those in leadership positions, is well documented. Two years ago, I wrote about the meaning and importance of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination as the first black woman to the Supreme Court. Despite Jackson’s obvious qualifications and stellar record, her confirmation hearing devolved at times into sexist and racist attacks.
As Juneteenth approaches, we know not everyone is enjoying the promise of that day. Book bans, restrictions on voting and police violence impinge on our freedoms and violate our rights.
We, as a society, can do better.
We can mark Juneteenth by lifting up the brilliance and contributions of people who identify as Black women. We can remember Peggy Maxie, the first Black woman elected to the Washington State House of Representatives. We can honor the life of Marsha P. Johnson, a black Trans woman and LGBTQ rights activist. We can celebrate community and visibility at Trans Pride Seattle, where ACLU-WA is hosting a booth.
At ACLU-WA, we will continue to combat white supremacy and fight to break down systemic inequities, which often disproportionately impact Black women. I am privileged to do this work every day with and beside community and ACLU-WA’s brilliant and passionate staff.
Juneteenth is a celebration, but it is also a commitment. Our country is at a crossroads in 2024. We can decide to embrace Juneteenth as a call to action — a moment to expand freedom, civil rights and civil liberties for all. Or we can choose a different path that threatens those rights.
This Juneteenth, ACLU-WA will be out embracing the joy of the day and supporting Black-owned businesses at REVIVAL: Juneteenth Pop-up Market. The joy and power of community fuels us to continue the fight to safeguard and extend civil rights and civil liberties for all. We are here with you in the struggle for collective liberation.
This Juneteenth, let’s write a new story, together.
Onward toward justice and freedom,
Michele Storms
<-- Back to the Juneteenth Home Page
Juneteenth is more than a simple story of freedom. It is also a story of liberation delayed for 250,000 enslaved people in Texas who learned about their status as freed people two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863.
This year, as we celebrate the joy of Juneteenth, I call on all of us to consider the ways in which freedom for Black people remains partial, elusive, and – in too many cases – outright denied. Throughout this message, I’ve included links I offer as an opportunity to reflect and learn more.
More than 150 years after the end of slavery in this country, as a Black woman, I am waiting and watching for our society to see the worthiness of those who identify as Black women; to allow us to hold power, take up space, and fully embrace our whole beings – not as a threat, not as people who are “less than,” but as an asset.
People who identify as Black women, and Black trans women in particular, face multiple, often overlapping oppressions and disparities. Black trans women are more likely to be targets of violent crime and access to gender-affirming care is being blocked around the country, with states passing laws making it illegal to receive the care they need to live as their whole selves.
At a time when reproductive rights are under assault in our country, Black women already face higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. And providers are less likely to believe Black women when they say they are in pain.
Hostility to Black women in the workplace, especially those in leadership positions, is well documented. Two years ago, I wrote about the meaning and importance of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination as the first black woman to the Supreme Court. Despite Jackson’s obvious qualifications and stellar record, her confirmation hearing devolved at times into sexist and racist attacks.
As Juneteenth approaches, we know not everyone is enjoying the promise of that day. Book bans, restrictions on voting and police violence impinge on our freedoms and violate our rights.
We, as a society, can do better.
We can mark Juneteenth by lifting up the brilliance and contributions of people who identify as Black women. We can remember Peggy Maxie, the first Black woman elected to the Washington State House of Representatives. We can honor the life of Marsha P. Johnson, a black Trans woman and LGBTQ rights activist. We can celebrate community and visibility at Trans Pride Seattle, where ACLU-WA is hosting a booth.
At ACLU-WA, we will continue to combat white supremacy and fight to break down systemic inequities, which often disproportionately impact Black women. I am privileged to do this work every day with and beside community and ACLU-WA’s brilliant and passionate staff.
Juneteenth is a celebration, but it is also a commitment. Our country is at a crossroads in 2024. We can decide to embrace Juneteenth as a call to action — a moment to expand freedom, civil rights and civil liberties for all. Or we can choose a different path that threatens those rights.
This Juneteenth, ACLU-WA will be out embracing the joy of the day and supporting Black-owned businesses at REVIVAL: Juneteenth Pop-up Market. The joy and power of community fuels us to continue the fight to safeguard and extend civil rights and civil liberties for all. We are here with you in the struggle for collective liberation.
This Juneteenth, let’s write a new story, together.
Onward toward justice and freedom,
Michele Storms
<-- Back to the Juneteenth Home Page
