Glad you're doing well, Jonas. Good to hear from you. Just wanted you to know, there is some debate among Black folks whether Juneteenth is a "happy" occasion or not. As with so many of our importnat dates it is an emblem of sadness for some. The fact that it took two years for enslaved peoplein Texas to find out they were free is a tragedy which inclines me more towards tears than celebration. Sure, they were free--eventually. But hanging over the story for me is the sense that we should rejoice in whatever crumbs we are given, no matter how imperfect, no matter how watered down, no matter how delayed. Juneteenth for me is the date that enslaved people in Texas had been swindled, bamboozled, disenfranchised for as long as possible before white supremacists were forced to do the right thing. And, therefore, it is complex for me. That said, you will encounter Black people celebrating and wishing each other a "Happy Juneteenth." Because I refuse to stand in the way of other Black people's joy, I won't decry it as some in the community have done. Nevertheless, I personally marked the occasion with tears of frustration rather than joy. I live in the hope that someday this will not be the case.
Glad you're doing well, Jonas. Good to hear from you. Just wanted you to know, there is some debate among Black folks whether Juneteenth is a "happy" occasion or not. As with so many of our importnat dates it is an emblem of sadness for some. The fact that it took two years for enslaved peoplein Texas to find out they were free is a tragedy which inclines me more towards tears than celebration. Sure, they were free--eventually. But hanging over the story for me is the sense that we should rejoice in whatever crumbs we are given, no matter how imperfect, no matter how watered down, no matter how delayed. Juneteenth for me is the date that enslaved people in Texas had been swindled, bamboozled, disenfranchised for as long as possible before white supremacists were forced to do the right thing. And, therefore, it is complex for me. That said, you will encounter Black people celebrating and wishing each other a "Happy Juneteenth." Because I refuse to stand in the way of other Black people's joy, I won't decry it as some in the community have done. Nevertheless, I personally marked the occasion with tears of frustration rather than joy. I live in the hope that someday this will not be the case.
That makes absolutely perfect sense, friend. Thanks for taking the time to break it down for me.
Thanks for the update. We've been missing your blogs.
Enjoy God's nature, Jonas! It's a wonderous gift to us all . . .
Oh yeah Jonas, quietude for listening to the Holy Spirit is Grace!
Enjoy the wide-open spaces!
Wondered what you were up to Jonas. You and your family stay safe and enjoy your time together. X
Hi Jonas, yes I think it is always a good thing when we break for a time from the usual. Best, g