Once Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021, the conversation around the meaning of freedom for all Americans became something that should matter to each of us.
Memphis is a majority Black city. Most everyone who is African-American can trace his or her heritage just a few generations back to someone who was enslaved until the proclamation in Galveston, Texas in 1865 ended their enslavement.
It is a reality that as a caucasian I struggle to fully understand, but celebrating freedom is something we should all joyfully embrace. Juneteenth reminds us of our past faults, helps to heal our current divisions, and moves us toward a united community. It is a dynamic holiday that calls us to spend the time thinking about what really matters to us as a nation, a city, and a community. Freedom is never free.
And today on Juneteenth, we celebrate its value to all of us. This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.
