While strides have been made in addressing the institutional discrimination against Black Americans in the 158 years since the end of slavery, considerable barriers still exist. The tragic murders since 2020 of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Patrick Lyoya have shined a light on deeply ingrained, systemic racism in Michigan and nationwide.
The celebration of Juneteenth is coming at an appropriate time. The name of this holiday is a blend of the words June and nineteenth and commemorates the day in 1865 that Union Army Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved people there of their emancipation. This event came two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, but has become the oldest US celebration marking the end of slavery.
Black people in the US continue to suffer disproportionate impacts of health disparities aggravated by inordinately high levels of exposure to toxic pollution. As one of the largest climate and environmental justice advocacy organizations, Sierra Club works to ensure that oppressed and environmentally burdened communities receive justice and access the benefits of a healthy and sustainable future that should be equal for all.
In June 2022 Juneteenth became an official state holiday, but celebrations have been held in communities around the state for many years. In Grand Rapids, there are six Juneteenth events scheduled from June 16 – 19. The Michigan Sierra Club is preparing our booth to participate in at least one of these Grand Rapids events. Check out what is happening in your neighborhood to join in the celebration of Juneteenth!