Willie Wilson: The unfinished business of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a reminder of progress made and an uncomfortable recognition of the distance still to be traveled toward attaining equality.
On June 19, 1865, Army Gen. Gordon Granger and Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans living there that the Civil War had ended and that they were free. Approximately 250,000 enslaved people in Texas celebrated — but with uncertainty regarding their future.
While Juneteenth represents a second Independence Day, there remains unfinished business on the journey to healing, reconciliation and racial economic justice. A Pew Research Center survey from February noted that 82% of Black Americans believe the nation has not gone far enough in achieving equal rights with white people.
After the cookouts, cultural celebrations, dancing and educational seminars, the question must be asked — what is the unfinished business on the road to equality for Black Americans?
In 1995, then-South African President Nelson Mandela's Government of National Unity created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to help South Africans come to terms with their troubled past. The commission sought to reveal human rights violations that happened between March 1960 and May 1994, provide support such as reparation to victims and their families and to compile a full and objective record of the effects of apartheid on South African society. Mandela appointed Desmond Tutu to chair the TRC.
Unlike South Africa, the United States has yet to establish a commission to address the effects of slavery down through generations or the healing that must take place. Many falsely believe because we are generations removed from slavery that the harm has been repaired. However, the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws continues to have a lasting impact on racial inequality today. That impact can be seen through laws and policies that sought to maintain the status quo of white supremacy.
The following are a few examples:
There is nothing that compares to the horrific atrocities of slavery and Jim Crow. Families were ripped apart, thousands were lynched, women were raped and children were taught they were inferior. White people benefited economically from the institution of slavery. Generational wealth was passed down to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Until there is an acknowledgment by those who benefited through inherited wealth from the institution of slavery or Jim Crow laws — it is hard to achieve healing and forgiveness. Tutu said, 'If you can find it in yourself to forgive, then you are no longer chained to the perpetrator.'
In 2008, the nation formally apologized for slavery. House Resolution 194 acknowledged the fundamental injustice of slavery and Jim Crow laws and expressed commitment to rectifying their lingering consequences. That commitment has not materialized. Several states and cities have established reparations commissions to study and recommend ways to address the legacy of slavery and its continuing impact on Black communities.
Black Americans must forgive this nation for the pain and trauma of slavery and Jim Crow laws if we are to move forward in unity. I know it is difficult to do. Although, the physical chains have gone away, the manifestations of slavery remain. Just as Jesus Christ forgave those who nailed him to the cross, we must also forgive. Forgiving does not mean we forget. Maya Angelou was right when she said, 'History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.'
Just as Jewish people will never forget the Holocaust, Black people and America must never forget the dark stain of slavery.
True reconciliation will help bring our nation together and free people of pain and guilt. In order to move forward, we all should seek to repent, repair and ask for forgiveness while there is still time. How can we move toward economic and racial justice when laws and other impediments are being enacted to undercut Black progress?
As President Abraham Lincoln observed, a house divided against itself cannot stand. We cannot continue to be separated by racial discord and injustice. We truly are stronger together.
The following are suggestions to help complete the work of Juneteenth:
This country has come a long way since 1865. If we are to become that 'more perfect union,' much work remains to achieve equality for all Americans. I believe forgiveness opens the door for reconciliation. I wish everyone a happy Juneteenth!
I write this commentary to make those comfortable with ignoring the unfinished business of Juneteenth uncomfortable.
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
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San Francisco Chronicle
27 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Still don't quite understand Juneteenth? Under Trump, it'll be harder to learn
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The Hill
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- The Hill
Let's celebrate Black heroes of the American Revolution this Juneteenth
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