JUNETEENTH:
Is Freedom A Cognitive Illusion?
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After we’ve confronted the depths to which our history sank, we can — and we must — idealise those who moved it forwards… Heroes close the gap between the ought and the is. They show us that it is not only possible to use our freedom to stand against injustice, but that some people have actually done so.
-Aeon magazine
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Not Yet Uhuru
Uhuru-Swahili for freedom
By Marion A. Olang, WE in the World
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Yet another Juneteenth. For many, it's just another weekend to hit pause on life, catch our breath, catch up on sleep, binge-watch the latest series, or hang out with friends. It's like Christmas come early, especially following Mental Health Month, where self-care was the buzzword. And honestly, who doesn't love a good excuse to relax?
But if you're like me, you've probably wondered: What's the point of celebrating Juneteenth when we can still smell the lingering stench of slavery in so many forms? The exploitation of people of color for cheap labor, the mental shackles of misinformation and disinformation, the relentless grind of capitalism—it's all too familiar. We may not be plowing fields for peanuts anymore, but we're certainly breaking our backs and minds under the weight of modern-day inequities.
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While the 13th Amendment legally abolished slavery in 1865, systemic racism and oppression have persisted in various forms. From the Reconstruction era to the Jim Crow laws, and from redlining to mass incarceration, African Americans have faced continuous barriers to true freedom and equality. WOW! Oppression just got better at hiding in plain sight.
Today, the legacy of slavery and systemic racism is like that stubborn stain on your favorite shirt—it’s still there, just in different forms. Have we forgotten the George Floyds of times past and present, or the ongoing systemic biases that affect the well-being of African American communities? And speaking of stubborn stains, remember the recent rollback of affirmative action and other inequities in the education system? It’s like we’re stuck in a terrible reboot of history.
How do we honor the end of slavery when its ghost still haunts us? It's a fair question. Yet, Juneteenth is also about recognizing the incredible resilience and triumphs of African Americans. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring hope and ongoing fight for true equality.
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“Contemporary Germans understand collective responsibility as meaning a commitment to avoiding in the future the sins their fathers and grandfathers committed in the past… What does it mean to come to terms with the fact that your father, even if not a passionate Nazi, did nothing whatever to stop them, watched silently as his Jewish doctor or neighbour was deported, and shed blood in the name of their army?”
-Aeon magazine
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This Juneteenth let's do more than just hit pause. Let's not just pat ourselves on the back and call it a day. Instead, Join other communities- on June 14- for a webinar to reflect on the Joy and Liberation message of Juneteenth. Learn about the history of Juneteenth, share how your community is honoring Juneteenth, and join a discussion on where structures and systems continue to enslave/ disenfranchise people and how you might lean in as a #better ancestor to create opportunities for liberation today.
Juneteenth isn’t just a day off—it’s a call to action, a celebration of progress, and a commitment to keep pushing forward. As a #Better Ancestor, celebrate resilience, honor the struggle, and join the fight for a better tomorrow. Because freedom isn't just a historical milestone—it's a continuous journey we all need to be part of. Together, we can work to ensure that freedom and equality become more than just punchlines in history's dark comedy.
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Here's an opportunity to join Black Public Media, and their partner Working Films in an upcoming training!
The session, scheduled for June 7th from 10am-1pm ET.
During the session, will learn about best practices for leveraging the power of media to connect with key audiences, disrupt negative dominant narratives and spark meaningful action!
Attendees will develop impact and engagement plans for utilizing media content in pursuit of organizational mission and goals.
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Better Ancestor: WE WIN Together Peer Exchange
(Photo Credits: RISE Community Manchester Community Action Coalition, storyboard April 2024)
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Join the WE WIN Together Peer Exchange (formerly known as the All RISE/ARISE Peer Exchange).
Friday, June 21, 2024 1:30 - 3pm EDT
Register Here
Focus: The role of CHWs & Workforce from several of our communities!
Please join us in this discussion and provide your input!
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Bookmark this article and take a deep dive into a fresh perspective on how the U.S. is approaching slavery and tackling intergenerational trauma linked to its legacy. | |
Can America face up to the terrible reality of slavery in the way that Germany has faced up to the Holocaust? | |
We no longer believe in bad seed or bad blood. Still, the idea that we are tainted by the sins of our fathers has a long and profound history... Yet, without some cultural experience of the violence that was a part of building this country, we risk the sort of liberal triumphalist narrative we would deplore if used elsewhere. There is much to be said for the American tendency to accentuate the positive. Rather than looking at the history of Jim Crow, we turn Martin Luther King’s birthday into a national holiday and put his statue on the Mall.
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Our community has made significant strides in promoting sustainable change. From impactful grassroots-to-grass tops initiatives to policy changes that drive systemic reform, we have witnessed the power of collective action. Here is a highlight of how we are taking action within our network to promote well-being and thriving communities. | |
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Meet Megan Wanzo, D., MS., HEC-C . Dr Megan Wanzo is a distinguished scholar, visionary leader, and influential advocate at the forefront of health policy, government affairs, and clinical operations. Armed with a Doctorate in Bioethics and Health Policy, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Clinical Ethics, Dr. Wanzo combines academic rigor with practical expertise to drive transformative change in the healthcare landscape. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Wanzo has made significant contributions to advancing late-stage drug development, particularly within the realm of oncology clinical trials.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Wanzo is a passionate advocate for health equity and social justice. Through her advocacy efforts, she seeks to address systemic disparities in healthcare access, advance policies that promote inclusivity and diversity, and empower marginalized communities to navigate complex healthcare systems.
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Thank you for being a part of Spring #WEWINTogetherWeek2024! Interested in joining the WIN Network? Visit our site. Your support and participation are crucial to our success. Here’s how you can get involved 🤝
Stay connected by signing up for the WIN Digest. We would like to continue to hear from you! Invite others to join Mighty Networks, propose conversation topics, and remember to follow us on social media!
Stay in the know. Check out our events calendar and find something that inspires you. Whether it's a local celebration, a virtual panel, or a community service opportunity, there’s something for everyone.
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Racial Justice & Equity Resources
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Secure Funding
Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation: LGBTQ+ Community Grants (New Hampshire)
Type: Foundation
Due Date: Rolling
Match Required: No Cost Share
Overview: The purpose of this program is to help LGBTQ+ people fulfill their potential by funding nonprofit organizations that advance the interests and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and with programs and services that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. Funding will be provided for life-affirming services that address one or more of the following focus areas:
- Health and wellness
- Crisis intervention
- Racial justice
- Advocacy and community engagement
- Social assistance and programming
Huntington National Bank: Charitable Grant Program (Wisconsin)
Type: Foundation
Due Date: Rolling
Match Required: No Cost Share
Overview: The purpose of this program is to contribute to the development of healthy, vibrant communities. Funding will support projects that improve self-sufficiency and quality of life, as well as advance social and economic equality, in communities served by the funding agency.
Support will be provided for projects in the following focus areas:
- Community revitalization and stabilization
- Community services
- Affordable housing
- Economic and community development
- Racial/social equity
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