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 freed. The name Juneteenth is a combination of June + nineteenth.

African Americans celebrate their freedom and their heritage today, 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, and this year the Juneteenth festivities may have a more serious and determined feel, given the widespread protests across the U.S. after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers on May 25.

We are having another national debate (does it really feel more hopeful this time?) and massive Black Lives Matter protests all around the country.

AND we are also in the midst of a pandemic!

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. Talk about the violence that black people are enduring

2. Make fried catfish, biscuits, and greens

1. Talk about the violence that black people are enduring:
I was looking for a book about racism to read, when I found an article from the Washington Post called When black people are in pain, white people just join book clubs

So instead I downloaded this Toolkit for White People on the Black Lives Matter page. It lists several steps for talking about the violence that is happening, because " white silence is violence".

 

I'm going to use the information here, and have a conversation today about the serious implications of anti-Blackness and prejudicial policing and legislation on Black people.

0. Conversation Ideas:

   White silence about race allows racism and white supremacy to be maintained and normalized. It’s important for those of us who are white to break white silence and have honest conversations with our friends, family, and neighbors. These conversations can help us find others to build with and change the minds of people who disagree with us about racial justice.

   • How has the changing political landscape shifted your understanding of the recent murders of black people by police officers?

   • For those of us who are white, it’s easier to check out and not talk about policing or racial justice. What do you think it would take to get more white people talking about and taking action toward racial justice in our communities, schools, neighborhoods, or faith-based groups? 

2. Fried Catfish

Ingredients:

• 6 catfish fillets
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• Saltine crackers
• 1 c. vegetable oil

1. Rinse fillets under cold running water and pat dry with towels.

2. Combine spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over both sides of the fillets. 

3. Crush the crackers into a fine meal, and apply to the fish by gently pressing on both sides of your fillets. Place fillets on a plate and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow meal to coat properly.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or large heavy skillet. Fry the fillets on both sides until they are golden brown, turning only once. Allow fillets to drain on paper towels and serve immediately.