Juneteenth finally becomes a federal holiday. Firstly, the holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States of America is the newest thing in that country. Still, for many Black Americans, the date is synonymous with homegrown, community-organized events intended to commemorate their history and cultural heritage. Many Black Americans don’t need a Federal Holiday to celebrate that day.
There’s a famous interview with Morgan Freeman where he talks about Black History Month looking down on it, saying, “You’re going to reduce my people’s entire history to a month?” For many, that’s exactly how that feels because being Black in America is an all-day celebration. Despite the injustices and disparities, Black Americans are proud of who they are. And they don’t need “The Man” to remind them they’re free.
Juneteenth Finally Becomes A Federal Holiday
With Joe Biden signing Juneteenth into law, the holiday becomes the second African-American holiday across America after Martin Luther King day. The holiday has public offices and schools closing in recognition of it. And with it comes another facet of Americana: Sales!
When the late George Carlin said the only true American value lasting was buying things, he wasn’t that far off. With Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, brands all over the place are making sales to cater to Black Americans. But how many Black Americans can buy those things. Well, the truth is that there are many who can and many more can’t. With American consumerism, you’ll see Juneteenth hyped all over sales.
Issues Facing Black Americans Today
There are a number of challenges that African Americans face in the USA today. One of the most significant is the issue of racism and discrimination. African Americans have been subjected to centuries of racism and discrimination, both from individuals and institutions. This has had a negative impact on their ability to achieve social and economic equality.
African Americans are also more likely to live in poverty than other groups. According to the most recent data from the US Census Bureau, nearly one in four African Americans lives in poverty. This is compared to just over one in ten for whites. Poverty can lead to a number of other problems, including poor health, lack of education, and crime.
Unemployment
African Americans are also more likely to be unemployed than other groups. The unemployment rate for African Americans was nearly double that of whites in 2015. This can make it difficult for African Americans to find good jobs and provide for their families.
Police Brutality
The issue of police brutality is also a significant problem for African Americans. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of police officers using excessive force against African Americans. This has led to a feeling of mistrust and fear among many in the African American community.
Resilience
Despite these challenges, there are also many positive aspects to being an African American in the USA today. African Americans have made significant progress in recent years, both socially and economically. They are also a vital part of the country’s cultural fabric. With continued effort, it is hoped that the challenges that African Americans face will eventually be overcome.
Despite the many challenges that African Americans face, they have shown remarkable resilience. This is perhaps best exemplified by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., African Americans fought for equality and social justice. Although there is still much progress to be made, the Civil Rights Movement was a major step forward.
Conclusion
African Americans have also made significant economic progress in recent years. The median income for African American households has increased significantly since 1967. African Americans are also more likely to own their own homes and businesses than they were in the past.
There is no doubt that the challenges facing African Americans are significant. However, the resilience of the community is also very impressive. With continued effort, it is hoped that African Americans will be able to overcome these challenges and achieve full equality in the USA.
Also Read: Is the Modern Family Spin-off Happening Anytime Soon? Jesse Tyler Ferguson Teases the Possibility
