Some extended holiday weekends are better than others. Juneteenth is still the newest federally observed holiday — and I’m loving it. I don’t think I’m alone when I say today (luckily) still feels like Juneteenth. This could be for a couple of reasons: We’re still on the heels of the official Juneteeth. Also, banks and the post office are closed. So yeah, it was Juneteenth: Part 2. I’ve known about Juneteenth for so long, but I never understood why nobody else noticed or asked why so many Black people barbeque two weeks before the Fourth of July. But then again I’m also dumbfounded every time I remember some people don’t want to recognize that our history is today – living, walking and breathing. It’s one thing to not know, but it’s another thing to ignore. I’ve grown accustomed to not feeling frustrated when I see Black history is undermined; I know those who are empowered with the task of documenting and sharing U.S. history have shown a propensity for burying our significance and how we make America great.
Today, Falisha and I had the distinct pleasure of sharing our thoughts on journalism and education as it relates to the African-American experience with a class at Cal State San Bernardino. Full disclosure: my aunt is the professor of the class and invited me to speak. One interesting point Falisha made is how history is usually required in a four-year college, so if we are part of that history and it isn’t being discussed, that’s a deliberate choice.
I’m not ashamed to admit there are many golden nuggets in African-American history I haven’t encountered… yet. Case-in-point, a student asked a question today that I slid out of answering because, frankly, I just didn’t know the answer. Apparently, Rosa Parks wasn’t the first Black woman to refuse to sit in the back of a bus. Still, I sometimes revel in my own ignorance because enlightenment is a joyous feeling, especially when you have cultural pride and you’re a product of resilient people. African Americans are not just victims of generational oppression in America, we are often marginalized. That includes our contributions.
There are tons of people who think Juneteenth is a new phenomenon – something we magically produced that received federal attention as a national holiday. But the truth is, many of us have known and observed it for decades with demure celebrations.
Black history is American history. That’s a fact. It’s sadly being politicized and maligned by people who probably congregate by a bonfire wearing white sheets with two tiny holes.
Black history (what I know so far) is stored in my memory bank, and I have had to tap into it on multiple occasions working at different media outlets to prevent the dissemination of bad, if not inaccurate, or insensitive information. I’m always happy to gain more knowledge.
Falisha is writing a piece tonight about Opal Lee. I know so much about her that when Falisha asked me if I knew “Opal” I almost nodded along and said “I know who he is.” I should know better, but working in African-American press was a constant crash course in our history. (Reporting, generally, is as well, but my cultural history resonates better.)
Juneteenth is a fabulous holiday – and I rarely use that F word. As Falisha also pointed out (thanks for giving me much to think about) unlike Black History Month, it’s a day for us we can celebrate because it honors a moment in history – something that was achieved. There is still work to do – like getting California of all places to recognize it as a holiday so students didn’t have to end up in class today. But it’s also great because it will be a slow learning lesson for everyone wondering what this holiday is, what it means, and why it was necessary.
It’s a warm reminder, no matter how much detractors try to take our history out of schools, class will always be in session. And the students will finally know what those barbecues are all about.
Happy Juneteenth, y’all.
Corey A. Washington is Editor of BLK News Now! His journalism experience includes Television, Newspapers, and Digital Media as a Writer, Reporter, Content Producer, and Digital Producer. Some of those media outlets include CBS Phoenix (KPHO), NBC4 Los Angeles, ABC7 Los Angeles, California Black Media, SCNG, and more. He can be reached at Corey@BLKNewsNow.com.