Celebrate Juneteenth, as an ALLY

Are you like me? I grew up in a monochromatic mid-state farm town that was almost 80% Catholic. Not exactly the mecca of diversity. Juneteenth only showed up on my radar a few years ago. Texting BIPOC friends "Happy Juneteenth!" has been most appreciated but let's be honest, we can do more. We should do more. Juneteenth is a pretty big freaking deal and needs to be recognized and celebrated by everyone. 

If Juneteenth is still new to you, you are not alone. Quick recap: the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863. However, border states did not have the Union military support to uphold this decision. On June 19,1865, Union General Gordan Granger and his troops traveled to Galveston, Texas, to announce the General Order Number 3 abolishing all connections between masters and slaves. 

Fellow non-Black people, supporting our BIPOC friends, colleagues, neighbors and local businesses is easier than you think. Invest in active allyship. Use our privilege to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces. More than ever, we need to show up for our Black colleagues by listening, learning and amplifying Black voices. 

If you are uncomfortable with the mere idea of unintentionally saying or doing the wrong thing and offending, then simply listen. Sometimes talking less and listening and observing more can teach you more than you ever imagined. While you're listening and learning, consider these eleven simple ways to be a Juneteenth ally all year round. It's not difficult...

Start your Juneteenth Ally celebrations by participating in the Village of Oak Park Juneteenth week of festivities. If you are looking for more involvement, please join us in walking with the Chamber of Commerce in the Juneteenth Parade on Sunday, June 19. 

For the BIPOC community, the LGBTQ+ community, the poor, homeless and mentally ill, we see you and we add our voices to say we are with you.