Today, we recognize a critical turning point in American history with the observance of Juneteenth. Sometimes referred to as Black Independence Day, Juneteenth is the day that our Black relatives were legally freed from slavery in the United States on June 16, 1865. Though 155 years have since passed, we know that white supremacy and American colonial systems have continued to oppress and brutalize Black lives in more sinister ways.
At NDN Collective, we are conscious of the many ways that American society has been shaped by white supremacy, from the very founding of America by way of the genocide of Indigenous Peoples, to the establishment of the brutal institution of slavery, to the ongoing brutality of Black, Brown and Indigenous bodies. Summarily, we commit ourselves to dismantling the systems that have given rise to oppression and inequity, while simultaneously co-creating solutions for a more just and equitable future.
Though American history has been written, told, and retold to elevate colonizers while minimizing the grave harm they have caused, we are now in a time of reckoning, of movement-building, and collective awakening. We are fighting for truth and justice, and we are not settling for anything less.
In the spirit of Juneteenth and our collective liberation, we call upon you, our relatives and allies, to make a personal commitment to unlearning the white-washed untruths of American history while learning the real truths of our past and present.
Here are a few helpful resources to get you started on learning about Juneteenth, allyship, and Black liberation:
- From Teen Vogue: “What Is Juneteenth, How Is It Celebrated, and Why Does It Matter?” |
- From The Nation: “It’s Time to Make Juneteenth a National Holiday” |
- From “Justice in June,” a project created by two friends: “How to be an ally to the Black community” |
- From Vanity Fair, “Eight Podcasts to Deepen Your Understanding of Black History” |
And as always, as we liberate and strengthen our collective consciousness, we must continue to take meaningful action.
Here are some ways you can support the Movement for Black Lives:
- Join the call to action from the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) and find an event or virtual event to support and/or participate in here: https://sixnineteen.com/
- Sign up for mobile updates from the M4BL by texting “DEFEND” to 90975
- Watch M4BL TV : https://sixnineteen.com/live/
While America continues to rise up against racial injustice, we are expanding our collective understanding of what it means to truly mobilize and uproot white supremacy. If there is any time to lean in to deep solidarity and decolonial work, that time is now. We must educate ourselves beyond what systems rooted in white supremacy have fed us. We must take action, and carve out time and intention to see out the dismantling of white supremacy, racism, and systemic oppression.
We are honored that you all are joining us in this incredible and necessary work.
In Deep Solidarity,
NDN Collective