Juneteenth

Juneteenth is an African-American holiday that occurs each year on June 19th. It began as a celebration of the end of slavery: On June 19, 1865, the last slaves in America were finally freed. The name Juneteenth is a combination of June + nineteenth.

Today African Americans celebrate their freedom and their heritage, with music, dances, speeches, stories, games, and fun. They have picnics with traditional foods and make traditional crafts.

But more than 150 years after emancipation, the nation is still struggling with the issues of systemic racism and injustice. Two years ago we had widespread protests across the U.S. after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, and we began another national debate. Many white people got jolted out of their comfortable apathy and took an oath to be anti-racists.

Juneteenth is a reminder to enjoy the freedoms we have, and work for justice and freedom for all people everywhere. Today I celebrate Juneteenth as an apology, and a prayer.

Agenda:

1. Review "Me and White Supremacy"

2. Attend a ride and a festival

3. Cook collard greens

1.  Review "Me and White Supremacy":

I've been working back through this book, by Layla F. Saad, to make a plan for the summer. In the foreword, Robin DiAngelo says, "Building the racial stamina required to challenge the racist status quo is ... a critical part of our work as white people." 

What is required of me is personal reflection, study on the issues, and talking with my friends and my community about racial equality - all things I can do!

Today I reviewed my personal list of how white privilege shows up in my life. You can see one such list at White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh.

 

2. Attend a ride and a festival:

I went on a social bike ride this morning starting at the Mims House, which was a safe house for black travelers from 1948 - 1966 while there was race separation in Eugene, and is now a museum, as well as a place for community gathering and advocacy. We heard some speakers there, and learned about the important local work being done around transportation and racial justice. Then we biked down the river path to the Juneteenth Festival at Alton Baker Park. The theme of this year's Juneteenth Festival is "Educating while building a space for the richness of the black community". I admit I could still use some educating.

3. Cook collard greens:

Our collards are growing out of control, and need to be eaten! I made pork chops and collards, Southern style - and they were deliscious!

Ingredients:

• 1 smoked ham hock
• large bunch collard greens
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 c. chopped onion

1. Rinse the ham hock then add to a large pot. Cover with water, and then cover with a lid. Cook over medium high heat for about 45 minutes or until ham hock is nearly tender.

2. Clean the collards very well so they aren't gritty. Chop them, stems and all.

3. Finely chop the onion.

4. Once ham hock is almost tender, add greens and enough water to just barely cover greens.

5. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot and cook while covered for at least 2 hours or until completely tender. Most water should have evaporated by this point just having enough to barely cover the greens.