Indy's Juneteenth events feel urgent as conservatives censor Black history
June 19, 1865, marks when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce slavery's end. Though federally recognized only in 2021, Juneteenth has long been a celebration of freedom in the Black community.
This year, the celebration feels more urgent.
There has been an onslaught against accurate depictions of history — especially Black history. Anti-DEI rhetoric has permeated almost every aspect of American life, extending to history.
President Trump in March signed an executive order targeting programs, museums and initiatives that have allegedly replaced 'objective facts' with information that supports 'distorted' historical narratives. He specifically called out museum exhibits and programs focused on racism.
Trump and the broader conservative movement have been pushing back against what they perceive as efforts to replace historical facts with false ideologies for the purpose of sullying America's reputation and shaming citizens. But, by eliminating discussion of slavery and racism, conservatives censor history.
Juneteenth events return those conversations to the forefront in a commemoration of Black freedom.
'I think this year ... it's been a lot different,' said Chandler Phillips of Future Black Leaders, a Fishers High School club that has organized Juneteenth events since 2022. For Phillips and her fellow student organizers, Juneteenth is a celebration of strength and community. Phillips is an incoming senior and runs the social media pages for the organization.
"Fishers is a predominantly white community," Jayden Rucker, exiting president of Future Black Leaders said. "So, to have so many people show up as allies and support us as Black students, I think, has been a really heartfelt way for us to get engaged in the community.'
Future Black Leaders will be hosting the Fishers Juneteenth Jubilee on June 19 at Conner Prairie. Both the event and the museum will have free entry.
There is power in acknowledging history — even the parts that are gruesome and difficult to stomach. That is what Circle City Storytellers want people to remember this Juneteenth.
Founded in 2021, Circle City Storytellers creates space for Black entrepreneurs, leaders and storytellers. The organization is home to the Black Liberation Lecture Series, an initiative whose goal is to inspire and introduce people to the realities of what Black liberation entails.
'Learning history isn't about attacking anyone,' Jamaal Shabazz of Circle City Storytellers said. 'It's about gaining insight and improving our future efforts to not just progress Black people, but to progress humanity as a whole.'
Making an effort to learn more about Black history is an important step toward racial equity and progress. Circle City Storytellers founder Anthony Murdock II wants to show Indianapolis that there is power in Black history and liberation. Because what is American history without Black history?
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'When you celebrate Black freedom, you are actually celebrating collective liberation,' Murdock said. 'That's another reason why celebrating Juneteenth is so important: When Black folks win, it is both historically accurate, but also culturally significant that everybody wins, too.'
Circle City Storytellers is hosting a Juneteenth edition of its lecture series at 6 p.m. June 19 at 3039 N. Post Road. Murdock and Shabazz will both be speaking. The event is focused on community and family.
'We understand how powerful the family system is when you're talking about fighting against anti-Blackness,' Murdock said.
For Murdock and Shabazz, centering family is a deliberate choice — and it's one that they think fosters solidarity and challenges the status quo. Their programming is focused on creating a space for the Black community on Juneteenth and beyond.
The historical narratives of marginalized communities will likely continue to face attacks from conservatives. As Juneteenth approaches, make a conscious effort to engage with Black history.
From a community-based lecture series to programming led by student organizers, Central Indiana is taking a stance: Black history matters.
The time to talk about Juneteenth and Black history is now.
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