“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” -Angela Davis
*This post is dedicated to my sister, Keli Rankin
Today, in honor of Juneteenth, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the events of four years ago during the Summer of 2020. The murder of George Floyd, captured on video and witnessed by millions, sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the nation, bringing cries of injustice from people of all races.
As the sister of an adopted BIPOC woman, I have had a unique perspective on Civil Rights issues in our country. Growing up alongside my sister, I witnessed firsthand the injustices and cruelty she faced due to the color of her skin in a society built on pigmentocracy. The experiences she endured were sadly not uncommon for BIPOC women in America.
Despite the shocking prejudices my sister faced, many white people around me seemed indifferent to her struggles. This lack of empathy led me to pursue studies in African American Women’s Literature and activism in college.
In the wake of the events of Summer 2020, I saw a glimmer of hope as my white neighbors joined protests and engaged in conversations on social media about racial justice. I myself wrote a book and became more involved in anti-racist work.
Today, on Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the U.S., I find myself reflecting on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. The recent rise and fall of Black leaders and activists serve as reminders of the challenges we continue to face in the fight against systemic racism.
As a white woman, Juneteenth evokes mixed emotions for me. While it is a day of celebration for the emancipation of BIPOC slaves, it is also a reminder of the horrors of slavery and ongoing struggles for racial justice.
My partner and I are committed to honoring Juneteenth by engaging in conversations on white privilege and working through anti-racist literature together. I acknowledge the discomfort of being a bystander in the BIPOC experience and strive to show up as an ally.
On this Juneteenth, I echo the voices of BIPOC leaders and activists who remind us of the importance of speaking out against injustice and actively working towards change. It is not enough to remain silent; we must actively challenge and dismantle systems of oppression.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us center Black voices, Black lives, and Black experiences. Let us continue the work of progress and transformation, recognizing that there is still much to be done on the journey towards equality and justice for all.
“Here is a radical idea that I would like you to understand: white silence is violence. It actively protects the system. It says I am okay with the way things are because they do not negatively affect me and because I enjoy the benefits I receive with white privilege.” – Layla F. Saad
“Your desire to be seen as good can actually prevent you from doing good, because if you do not see yourself as part of the problem, you cannot be part of the solution.” – Layla F. Saad
“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” – Layla F. Saad
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” – Barack Obama
