A Sense of Doubt blog post #3044 - Juneteenth 2023
Happy Juneteenth, y'all.
And so, celebrate:
Lift Every Voice and Sing
“Lift Every Voice and Sing“ Alicia Keys performance w/ narration by Anthony Mackie
Here's just the thing for JUNETEENTH: racism:
And so, when I went to get a version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," I found this great performance by Alicia Keys, and of course the first comment beneath it is hateful bullshit. And worse that is has 8.4K likes!! Fuck all you racists!
Also, while we're on the subject, this song is a much better one as anthems go than the "Star Spangled Banner," which is a weak song as anthems go that hardly achieves "unity." After all, "the land of the free" in 1814 at Fort McHenry did not include black people or women, actually.
BTW, "Osamudiamen" is of Nigerian origin and means "God stands for me."
https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/lift-every-voice-and-sing
Often referred to as "The Black National Anthem," Lift Every Voice and Sing was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900. His brother, John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), composed the music for the lyrics. A choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was principal, first performed the song in public in Jacksonville, Florida to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln's birthday.
At the turn of the 20th century, Johnson's lyrics eloquently captured the solemn yet hopeful appeal for the liberty of Black Americans. Set against the religious invocation of God and the promise of freedom, the song was later adopted by NAACP and prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING LYRICS
Lift every voice and sing,
'Til earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on 'til victory is won.
Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
'Til now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.
I am happy that Juneteenth is now nationally recognized by so many communities.
This is my post from last year about Juneteenth:
Juneteenth 1865-2023 | Freedom to Learn
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| https://www.waterford.org/education/juneteenth-history-and-celebration-ideas/ |
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| https://www.allworldday.com/juneteenth/ |
Juneteenth 2023: Celebrating Freedom and Embracing Unity
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual commemoration celebrated on June 19th in the United States. It holds tremendous historical significance as it marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas in 1865. As Juneteenth approaches in 2023, let us delve into the rich history, theme, and importance of this celebration, as well as explore ways to honor and embrace this meaningful day.
History of Juneteenth:
Juneteenth traces its origins back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver the news of the Emancipation Proclamation. This executive order had actually been signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, but due to the remote location and minimal presence of Union troops in Texas, the enslaved people remained unaware of their freedom for over two years. Juneteenth represents the delayed but vital liberation of enslaved African Americans in the last Confederate state, signifying the end of chattel slavery in the United States.
Theme of Juneteenth 2023: Celebrating Freedom and Embracing Unity:
The theme for Juneteenth 2023 is “Celebrating Freedom and Embracing Unity.” This theme embodies the spirit of Juneteenth, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our history while working towards a future that fosters equality, inclusivity, and unity. Juneteenth serves as a reminder to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing work required to achieve true freedom, justice, and equality for all.
Why Do We Celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. It symbolizes the end of a dark chapter in American history and honors the strength and perseverance of the African American community. By commemorating Juneteenth, we acknowledge the struggles faced by enslaved individuals and their journey towards liberation. This day serves as a catalyst for discussions on racial equality and inspires us to confront and address systemic injustices that persist today.
How to Celebrate Juneteenth 2023:
Learn the history: Take the time to educate yourself and others about the history and significance of Juneteenth. Explore books, documentaries, and online resources to gain a deeper understanding of this important milestone.
Attend community events: Many cities and towns organize Juneteenth celebrations, including parades, festivals, concerts, and educational programs. Participate in these events to experience the vibrant culture, music, art, and traditions associated with Juneteenth.
Support Black-owned businesses: Show your support by shopping at local Black-owned businesses and restaurants. This not only helps uplift the community but also promotes economic empowerment.
Organize discussions and workshops: Engage in meaningful conversations about racial equality, social justice, and the challenges that still need to be addressed. Host workshops, book clubs, or panel discussions to encourage dialogue and understanding.
Volunteer and give back: Get involved in community service activities that aim to uplift and empower marginalized communities. Volunteer at local organizations that support education, mentorship, and other initiatives aimed at creating positive change.
Quotes for Juneteenth 2023:
- “Freedom never given; it won.” – A. Philip Randolph
- “Juneteenth is not only about celebration, but it’s also about reflection and action.” – Opal Lee
- “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.” – W.E.B. Du Bois
- “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.” – Bob Marley
Conclusion:
Juneteenth is a time to honor the past, acknowledge the present, and envision a future free from racial inequality. By celebrating Juneteenth in 2023 with a focus on freedom and unity, we can join hands in creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Let us commemorate this historic day with reverence, reflection, and a commitment to continue the fight for justice and equality.
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- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 2306.19 - 10:10
- Days ago = 2908 days ago
- New note - On 1807.06, I ceased daily transmission of my Hey Mom feature after three years of daily conversations. I plan to continue Hey Mom posts at least twice per week but will continue to post the days since ("Days Ago") count on my blog each day. The blog entry numbering in the title has changed to reflect total Sense of Doubt posts since I began the blog on 0705.04, which include Hey Mom posts, Daily Bowie posts, and Sense of Doubt posts. Hey Mom posts will still be numbered sequentially. New Hey Mom posts will use the same format as all the other Hey Mom posts; all other posts will feature this format seen here.
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