Fatimah Muhammad, Partnership Coordinator with the Community Builders Network of Metro St. Louis
Over the past two weeks, Black Lives Matter has taken hold of the nation–along with several others–with overwhelming support. Black communities as well as their allies are calling for racial equality, an immediate end to police brutality, and an end to the systemic racism that exists in this country.
Demonstrations were held in all 50 states as well as countries across the globe, marking this the largest civil rights movement in history. The scope of Black Lives Matter is undeniably vast, but the meaning behind the movement is far more powerful. Black Lives Matter is not a new concept, but the ubiquitous call for change that can be heard around the globe is truly indicative of the immediate need for that change. If you don’t currently acknowledge or celebrate Juneteenth, now is as good a time as any to consider doing so.
This holiday goes beyond giving Black employees an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and acknowledge the relentless struggle to rise from slavery.
Fatimah in Jefferson City at the Court House
It has extended into a call for the rest of the country to acknowledge the scars that slavery has left throughout the United States, and remnants of racial injustice that Black people in America deal with to this day.
To learn more about the history of Juneteenth click here.
To see what Juneteenth celebrations are happening in our St. Louis community, click here.
