Caravan for justice, June 2, 2020 (Photo – ©ColoradoBlvd.net)

As thousands of local residents of all ethnicities continue to participate in peaceful protests against the culture of racial bias, profiling, and misuse of force in police departments across our nation, “Juneteenth” is sure to have taken on a new meaning this year.

By Jason Hardin

For those that are unaware, the term “Juneteenth” was coined in the 1930s and derives from the calendar date, June 19th, 1865.  This is the date after the end of the Civil War that American slaves were declared free as per the terms of the Emancipation Proclamation passed in 1862.

Though Juneteenth is meant to represent the celebration of freedom for former slaves and their descendants, today it serves as a grim reminder of the peace and freedom people of color in this country have yet to truly experience.  In the wake of a recent video showing a Minneapolis police officer murdering a handcuffed African-American man, George Floyd, by pinning him down with a knee on his neck for over eight minutes, people in our city are beginning to understand the extreme level of pain and injustice inflicted on Blacks by officers who are sworn to serve and protect.  The numerous protests have triggered local mayor, Terry Tornek, to announce his own newfound interest and effort to initiate reform in our Pasadena Police Department and in how we address public safety.

What happened to George Floyd on Memorial Day in Minneapolis was absolutely horrific to watch, but the worldwide movement it has started, to tackle systemic oppression and persecution, is nothing short of the civil rights movement of the 1960s.  We are living in an important and pivotal moment in history now, and how we respond collectively and individually will shape the future of our city, our nation, and our planet.  It’s vital as human beings that we take advantage of this moment and use it to unite rather than to divide. The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has shown us all that our survival as a human race depends solely on our ability to work together.

Let’s eradicate the virus of hate

So, let’s continue to work together in the same spirit to eradicate the virus of hate, ignorance, and violence that plague our communities and entire nation. Let’s show that Pasadena can be the most progressive city in the world and lead by example in the effort to make freedom and the spirit of Juneteenth a reality.

> Join Pasadena’s “Juneteenth” Car Caravan for Black Lives Matter this Friday, June 19.

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