A Reflection on Juneteenth
As many of us enjoy a day off with our family and friends in celebration of Juneteenth, we do so with heavy hearts, reflecting on the pain and unrest that continues to unfold since this new federal holiday was first recognized in 2020 following the murder by police of George Floyd.
Juneteenth commemorates the 1868 emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas, three years after slavery was abolished in the United States. This holiday symbolizes the enduring struggle for freedom and dignity shown by those who fought for freedom for all. It is also a reminder that the fight for racial justice is not over, and our commitment to dismantling systemic racism must remain steadfast.
It is also important to remember that Black and Brown individuals, like Laquan McDonald and Bettie Jones, have been killed by police or died while in custody long before George Floyd’s death and there has been no significant change since then. Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old Latinx American boy who was shot and killed by a Chicago Police Department officer in 2021, is just one of the many lives lost since 2020.
Black and Brown individuals and, especially those who identify as non-binary, continue to be at greater risk of violence from police interactions. In response to McDonald’s killing in 2014, through George Floyd’s death in 2020 and now in 2023, Community Renewal Society and our member congregations are working together to advocate for police accountability and justice through community organizing and public policy advocacy.
In 2016, congregations in and around Chicago came together with CRS to work for greater police accountability. Eight years of work by the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability (GAPA) and the Empowering Communities for Public Safety Coalition (ECPS) resulted in the establishment of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) and the election of 66 District Council Representatives earlier this year. The Chicago ordinance created the most progressive form of citizen oversight of the police in our nation. As we celebrate this holiday and this victory, let us continue to embrace our collective responsibility to advocate for lasting change. Let us use this Juneteenth as a catalyst to support our communities and continue our work for police accountability.
Moreover, we must actively engage in allyship. Stand alongside our Black brothers, sisters and non-binary siblings, demonstrating solidarity in the fight against racial injustice. One way to do this is by joining the CRS Police Accountability Issue Team. Speak up when witnessing discriminatory behavior or microaggressions. Use our privilege to uplift marginalized voices and actively work towards creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe and heard.
This Juneteenth, let us honor the memory of all those who have lost their lives due to racialized violence by the police, and acknowledge the pain and injustice that brought us to this moment. May we find strength in our shared resolve to create a more just and equitable world—one where the color of one's skin does not determine their value or their right to life, liberty and happiness.
Finally, let us remember that progress takes time and perseverance. Change requires a collective effort, and we must remain committed for the long haul. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let it be a reminder that the journey towards justice and equality is ongoing. Together, we can forge a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
In Honor of Our Ancestors,
Community Renewal Society Staff
Next Steps:
Seek Knowledge - Read our Police Accountability blog articles
Join our CRS Police Accountability Issue Team
Explore our Juneteenth Toolkit