Commentary: The kindness of strangers has been the mantra for many people in this country for generations. Certain acts of kindness have changed the course of history. One of the most notable acts of kindness occurred on June 19, 1865, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, when Union Soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger delivered an order, declaring, “the people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free”.
Self-serving slaveowners hadn’t bothered to notify former slaves of their freedom but continued to perpetrate a reprehensible deception. They deemed slaves not as humans, but as property. Nor, was it legal for slaves to read or write, so there was no way for them to know of their freedom, but for the compassion of those Union soldiers. Had it not been for those soldiers who spread the unpopular message of freedom, how long would it have taken for the word to get out?
The Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery in these United States was passed by both houses of Congress in 1865. But that was just the beginning, not the end. One has to wonder if such legislation would have been filibustered today. Even now, efforts to thwart the rights of citizens to vote is a blatant attempt to prevent future elections from achieving the historic voter turnout seen in 2020. Some politicians boldly admit that they cannot win an election unless they suppress the vote, opting to suppress rather than appeal to a changing demographic by simply passing common sense legislation which already has overwhelming support.
Just as our ancestors found a way, we too will find a way to stop current efforts to undermine the will of the people. Jim Crow is no longer the law of the land. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed because a majority of Americans recognized the importance of living in a civil society. Last summer, we saw the overwhelming response to an outrageous abuse of power after George Floyd was murdered on camera. People from all races and from all walks of life, marched for justice with the singular understanding that such heinous acts cannot and will not be tolerated. Good will always triumph over evil, though it might take a while.
Juneteenth provides an opportunity for us to celebrate unsung heroes who have changed the course of history. What better time to reflect upon past victories and recognize current socio-economic challenges; a pandemic which has disproportionately taken the lives of minorities, and a cycle of racial unrest which must be addressed. This year we can celebrate the doctors, nurses, and educators who have continued to work, to their peril, during the worst pandemic in 100 years; the first responders who have risked their lives to save others, the protestors compelled to take a stand against injustice.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. so eloquently stated, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, we should keep in mind that the fight for freedom has been quietly and consistently fought by likeminded people of all races, creeds, and colors without fanfare. As we celebrate Juneteenth let us continue to stand in solidarity for equality and justice and appreciate those who stand with us.