We are living at a time of change in America, and many of us feel that change is not honoring our past in ways we value. I’m optimistic by nature, so I think that bumps in the road are only temporary, because ours is a strong, resilient nation which has overcome times even more politically threatening than now.
I believe that most Americans are mindful of the core foundations of our country. Juneteenth is this coming Thursday, and it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on the realization that while political divisions we’re experiencing are stark, we have been through similar circumstances before. Recent remembrances of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War reminded those of us alive then that bad times do end.
A federal holiday. Juneteenth has been an American federal holiday since 2021 when the Juneteenth National Independence Act was signed by President Joe Biden. Wish or try as one may, it cannot be changed by an executive order with an ego-sized signature scratched onto a piece of paper by someone slouched in the Oval Office, but let’s keep an eye on it and protect it for what it is.
President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect Jan. 1, 1863, ending slavery throughout the Confederacy. However, enforcement of that freedom for slaves was dependent on the success of Union troops advancing through the southern states. Texas, being the most remote state of the Confederacy, was reached by Union forces two months after other hostilities ended, and on June 19, 1865, slavery in that state was officially ended. The effect of the Emancipation Proclamation was complete in the re-united United States of America. Juneteenth commemorates that date as the abolition of slavery.
We have painfully learned no proclamation can end racism, hate, or discrimination. That, and the antisemitism we still face is indicative of both ignorance as well as prejudice all too apparent in our nation and our world.
Many activities have been announced, and a wonderful event is scheduled Thursday at the African Burying Ground Memorial Park. Details are on portsmouthnh.gov
Nowadays it seems some powers-who-are in government want to rewrite our history. Whether they restrict what teachers may teach in the classroom, or ban books or exhibits and attempt to disrespect contributions of the great mix of races and cultures in our society, those efforts will eventually fail. Remembering Juneteenth for what and why it is can be a way to honor our past and celebrate who we are as a people.
Woke and DEI. Some powerful politicians are proclaiming that “woke” and DEI − diversity, equity, and inclusion − are dead. Both ideals are still with us, and are central to our history. “Woke” is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues, especially issues of racial and social justice.” I think most of us would want to be considered woke.
Instead of an insult as some slushy-headed Washington, D.C. power-hungry self-centered politicians who probably skipped history classes in elementary school think, it’s a compliment. (Did I describe them well enough?)
As for “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” what’s wrong with any of those principles? Or for that matter, “equality?” Those are things that seem to me to be the foundation of American ideals. We want to include people, respect and cherish our diversity, and promote equity and equality, don’t we?
Human beings have the ability, and the intelligence, to determine how we can better treat one another and protect all the amazing diversity created by Mother Nature and God on planet Earth. Learning to live together, respect each other, and love one another is our job.
Rev. Arthur Hilson’s lesson. Each of us has only a short time on this planet. A very good man I got to know well was the Rev. Arthur Hilson, pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church. I served with him on the Portsmouth Police Commission, and whenever we became involved in some difficult issue, he would calm us by saying, “Love is so easy, it really is.” It’s a seven-word lesson he taught us. He was a good pastor, and a good teacher.
Remember his words. Let’s teach future generations Rev. Hilson’s lesson. Because love is so easy, it really is − while hate is such an absolute waste.
Next time: Portsmouth is a “Welcoming City.”
Variously since 1969, Jim Splaine has been New Hampshire state senator for six years and state representative for 24 years. He was Portsmouth Assistant Mayor for 12 years, city councilor for 18 years, Police Commissioner, and served on the School Board. jimsplaineportsmouthNH@gmail.com
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