The “Emancipation Proclamation” was proposed on January 1, 1863 and only referred to African descended Black people in confederate states. However, the confederate state of Texas did not comply, and African descended Black people in Texas were not told about “ the emancipation proclamation” until June 19, 1865, now referred to as Juneteenth. We must Re-Member, however, that the enslavement of African descended Black people also existed in non-confederate states and only through the Thirteenth Amendment, ratified December, 6, 1865 did “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude” become national policy. The 13th amendment stated:
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction”.
It was with this exception, “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted ” a new form of enslavement developed in the 20th century with approximately 2.3 million African descended Black people currently incarcerated.
The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), honors our African/Black Ancestors, Elders, and previously and currently incarcerated family on what is being called “Juneteenth.” And while America does not recognize both the divinity and humanity of African descended Black people, the ABPsi does. Albeit, there have been laws and decrees in America concerning human rights violations against African descended Black people, America remains rooted in the legacy of enslavement and fallacy of white supremacy in all of its many insidious forms.
We honor the continued legacy of African/ Black resistance, rebellion, and revolution cultivated by African Spirit, Deities, Ancestors and Elders. They fought back from the beginning of the terror and in many instances African/Black people prevailed, but we also understand that in America, the liberation of African descended Black people has not been realized and the war continues. Let’s Re-Member to honor, and say their names and stand up and state loudly and proclaim, I am not free until all African/Black people are free. Our liberation is inexplicably bound to one another, always honoring our African/Black Ancestors and Elders. Our African/Black Ancestors and Elders sacrificed so we could live and continue their glorious legacy. Our commitment is to leave this place a better place for our children, the next generation, and those yet to be born…. as our Ancestors and Elders have done for us.
ABPsi sees its mission and destiny as the liberation of the African Mind, empowerment of the African Character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African Spirit. We call our members to lend your expertise to our organization in general and specifically through the General Assembly and the Student Circle.
African American Museum Juneteenth. https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth
AA Museum Juneteenth Reading list. https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/museum-store/juneteenth-reading-list