On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, marking an important moment in American history by enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation issued nearly two and a half years earlier.
More than 150 years later, President Joe Biden proclaimed Juneteenth a federal holiday, underscoring its significance in the collective memory of the nation.
In a recent interview with NPR’s Morning Edition, author Isabel Wilkerson, known for her works ‘Caste’ and ‘The Warmth of Other Suns,’ reflected on the implications of Juneteenth, especially in light of recent societal discussions about race, history, and identity.
In her essay published in The New York Times, Wilkerson emphasized that traditional historical narratives often focus on military dates and laws, distancing those events from the everyday lives of people. She highlighted that June 19, 1865, should prompt deep contemplation of slavery’s profound impact on America.
“This day asks us to contemplate exactly what slavery was,” Wilkerson stated. “Many perceive it merely as a tragic chapter in our history, yet it actually served as the foundation of our social, political, and economic structures.”
She elaborated on the profound and lasting consequences of slavery, noting it existed for 246 years, predating the United States itself. “It lasted for 12 generations. How often do we calculate the implications of that extraordinary time span?” she asked.
The conversation then shifted to the relevance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Wilkerson sees it as a pivotal day, akin to the nation’s Independence Day celebrated on July 4.
“For some, this day represents a new beginning for an entire group held in captivity for so long. It’s a form of independence for them as well,” she explained.
She urged all Americans to recognize this moment not only as a commemoration for descendants of enslaved individuals but also as a time to acknowledge the integral role slavery played in constructing the United States. Wilkerson pointed out how slavery was akin to the tech stocks of the 17th century, providing immense wealth and economic infrastructure to the burgeoning nation.
“Legally, slavery was woven into the nation’s laws; socially and politically, it shaped who could own property or be property based on race and perception,” Wilkerson noted.
Wilkerson highlighted that the racial hierarchy established during slavery continues to influence modern societal divisions. She stressed the importance of understanding this history, particularly in light of current attempts in various school districts to censor discussions about it.
Amid contemporary resistance to diversity and inclusion initiatives, some educational institutions have begun to remove content deemed potentially uncomfortable or divisive. Wilkerson sees this as a troubling trend.
“The narrative of how the country was built cannot be divorced from the reality of slavery,” she urged. “Enslaved people built the infrastructure that underpins this nation—from the roads and buildings to the economy that flourished while they received nothing for their labor.”
She elaborated on the injustices faced by enslaved individuals who could not pursue education, who were forcibly separated from their families, and who endured human rights violations that, had there been international laws at the time, would have been considered egregious.
As Wilkerson examined the current socio-political landscape, she pointed out that the Pentagon has recently scaled back identity-based recognitions, such as Black History Month celebrations. This raises questions about how the military, once instrumental in enforcing laws for freedom, intertwines with narratives of independence and identity.
In addressing whether such a history could be embraced as a form of victory rather than shame, Wilkerson emphasized a critical point.
“This is not just black history; this is American history. All the architects and benefactors of this story are part of the collective American narrative,” she said.
Wilkerson argued that it’s impossible to fully grasp the nation’s evolution without acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices made by enslaved people.
As Juneteenth may face a range of celebrations and challenges in today’s societal context, the day serves as a reminder of the resilience of the ancestors and the intricate history that binds all Americans together.
“Juneteenth compels us to extend gratitude to generations of people who contributed so much, not only to their own survival but to the very existence of the country as it stands today,” Wilkerson concluded.
image source from：npr
