On Juneteenth, take time to learn about and embrace Black history | Opinion
This is part of an opinion series examining Juneteenth. The USA TODAY Network Tennessee invited Black leaders and influencers to share their thoughts on lessons learned and lessons yet to be learned.
Growing up, we didn’t celebrate Juneteenth. It was mentioned here and there, but it was not something I understood or that my family celebrated. As a matter of fact, the first time I really understood the historical importance of the event was through Reverend Enoch Fuzz’s efforts as chair of Nashville’s Juneteenth Celebrations back in the early 2000’s.
During that time, I was a liaison between Mayor Bill Purcell’s Office of Neighborhoods, working hard to resolve issues between government and various neighborhood groups, city agencies, and elected officials. I was also a resource for community groups hosting special events like Juneteenth celebrations. It was then I understood the impact and relevance of that historic moment in time.
Today, I am so thankful for those early experiences and the movement towards acknowledging the history of African Americans and our stories of perseverance in this country.
As a parent of two beautiful children, my husband and I understand the importance of raising our children to consider the cost of our freedom and how, like our ancestors, to persevere through trials and adversities. We want them to understand they stand on the shoulders of many and that the possibilities that lie before them are unlimited.
While July 4, is America’s liberation from British rule, Black people didn’t realize that freedom for another 87 years. Jim Crow laws and racism put my ancestors’ newly acquired freedom outside of their reach. Understanding this history raises awareness of the strides we have made as a country, but also the impact of the injustices that still affect us today.
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Here's what you can do to celebrate Juneteenth, especially, if you are not Black
My white friends ask me what are some of the ways to respectfully acknowledge this day? Ideas I have shared include supporting black-owned businesses, visiting the National Museum of African American History in Washington DC, or the National Museum of African American Music right here in Nashville.
I’ve also suggested exploring the city’s role in the national Civil Rights Movement or maybe giving to organizations fighting against the injustice of black bodies.
My history is not something to be afraid of. My history is indeed everybody’s history. Ignorance is not bliss. Take the time to learn.
Juneteenth presents a beautiful opportunity to fill in the gaps of a history, movement, and people you might not otherwise have known. Juneteenth is an everyday practice if you truly believe in liberation. No one is liberated by Juneteenth ice cream.
Michelle Cummings Steele is a Lipscomb University administrator and chair of the Metro Nashville Parks Board.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: On Juneteenth, take time to learn about and embrace Black history
