Juneteenth
Honoring our African/Black Ancestors & Elders
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
4 Comments
Miss Denise Cheryl Willis, B.A., M.A.
Happy Juneteenth,
Let us PRAISE THE LORD! After surviving and thriving in America for over 400 years, let us celebrate our strengths as a people. We are still too few in numbers (on the large scale). We are many in inner cities, but once we are outside of that, our numbers are few-let’s recall our college years!. Let us return to our roots: 1.) remain humble (GIVE JESUS ALL OF THE GLORY); 2. ) when a situation arises quickly and catches us off guard, our main goal is to remain alive!; 3.) Take time to pray, always stay focused, try as best as possible to remain calm. This is a discipline just like being a Black Psychologist; a Black Baptist, a Black Quaker educated Black woman, and an AKA etc. is a discipline (smile).
Dr. Teresa Jackson
Being from Texas, I have always understood the significance of Juneteenth. It is a longstanding tradition to celebrate the 19th of June. My family traveled yearly, from all over the country back to “Comanche Crossing” at Mexia Lake, Mexia Texas. It is now called Booker T. Washington Park. Traditionally, the celebration was over several days leading up to Juneteenth. For example, this year the celebration started Thursday and continued through Juneteenth. It is a time of reflection, fellowship, thanksgiving, and time honoring our ancestors. I have a great sense of pride grounded in the many stories of my family’s and community’s resilience through generations. In many ways it is what steadies me now, through these times we are now enduring.
Cheryl Piggee
Thank you for taking the time out to recognize our ancestors as well as their struggles both past and present. This day is a reminder for us all to reflect and makes changes for the better .
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Happy everyday！