How to Celebrate Juneteenth as an Ally

With June 19 just around the corner, and many companies giving their employees this Friday off to celebrate, it’s important to keep in mind what Juneteenth means. Especially for white allies, this day off should be a conscious one, as we use this opportunity to acknowledge the history of our nation and take action toward a more equitable state. Read on to learn some steps we can take to properly honor and celebrate Juneteenth. 

Understand the History

Of course, the first step to celebrating this day is knowing why we celebrate. Juneteenth marks the day that emancipation reached the last people held in slavery in the U.S, in 1865. Less than 200 years ago, this day marked history. To learn more, check out this article from Novel Hand, this from the New York Times, and this from Slate.

Go Further to Educate Yourself

This Juneteenth, it’s important to remember that racism is still alive and well in the United States. Beyond that, there are structural and systemic parts of America that uphold slavery’s legacy and prevent us from truly erasing it in our country. Take this time to read and listen to Black creators, like Bryan Stevenson and Michelle Alexander, that can help to educate us on what still needs fixing, and what we can do to help. Make it intersectional in honor of pride month, and learn from these queer, Black leaders.

Take Time to Consider

It can be easy to think that slavery is a thing of the past as an ally who cannot fully understand the Black lived experience. It takes conscious thought to grasp that the atrocities of slavery still weigh heavy on the hearts of Black Americans. This weekend, take time to develop more empathy of the pain that lies in the history of Black Americans. 

Spread Awareness of What You Learn

Talk to your friends, your classmates, your children, and others about what you take away from your efforts to reach increased awareness of racial injustice in America. Think about how you might use any position of power you hold, in professional settings or otherwise, to spread this awareness. Host an event, circulate an email, or share How to be an Anti-Racist, the New Jim Crow, Just Mercy, or other books. Do what you can to encourage others to do the work you’re doing. 

Ask Yourself the Hard Questions

It’s difficult to acknowledge that internalized racism lives in the minds of many Americans. As we move towards being anti-racists, it is necessary to question our thoughts and actions. How do you perpetuate racism in ways that you may not be acknowledging? Are there any stereotypes that you unconsciously allow to impact your behaviors? Are you actively speaking out about racist comments and actions that you observe in others, people close to you and far removed? Remember to think critically about your beliefs, thoughts, and actions. For more questions to ask yourself, check out this article.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Make a list of resolutions of actionable steps that you can take to work against racial injustice in America. This may take the shape of adjustments to behavior. It could also include donating money to bail funds or projects. It could even incorporate spending time volunteering to assist people experiencing homelessness, as Black individuals disproportionately experience homelessness. Don’t forget that in all of this, sometimes taking time to listen to the Black people around you is as valuable as making your own voice be heard. 

Celebrate with Your Community

Although there is still so much work to be done, Juneteenth marks a day that we took a huge step towards positive change. While keeping all of the above in mind, spend some time to reach out to your community and celebrate, because every move we make towards equality is a move towards a more whole America.