Do as we say

Today we celebrate Juneteenth in America, a federal holiday celebrated to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. You would correct in thinking that would be a significant milestone to be commemorated throughout our existence, the country being established on the principal that “all men are created equal.” In fact though, it wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until President Joe Biden did so officially in 2021,

That was 245 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 234 years after the ratification of the U. S. Constitution, 158 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, 156 years after the last slaves in Galveston, Texas were released when Union troops reached there on June 19, 1865. You would also be correct in thinking it took quite some time for us to get around to recognizing that all people qualify as part of the “all men are created equal” people.

Today we still parse equality in piecemeal fashion. Even before the recent dismantling of equal rights offices and policies, many people, most especially non-white, non-male people, were not afforded the same opportunities as those who accept opportunity as their birthright. Sometimes it subtle, so subtle it may not even be recognized by many. It could be in the passing over a more suitable candidate for a promotion in favor of someone less qualified but closer in physical appearance to the person doing the promoting. It may be in the determination of order of author names on scientific papers. Or it could be the order a salesperson offers help to those waiting when first come does not equal first served.

It also could be in more obvious and dramatic fashion, with too many examples being readily available nearly every day in the news. Much too often, many of those targeted by the dogmatists find themselves not in the back of the line or unrecognized for their achievements, but find themselves in hospitals. Sometimes even in cemeteries.

We would like to propose this Juneteenth to recognize the people culturally descendent of those last victims of America’s folly and welcome them as members of the “all men are created equal” club. Tomorrow then we encourage ourselves and everyone to start recognizing and welcoming all the others who are marginalized who you see every day.

We know you see marginalized people every day because in truth, almost all of us can be pigeonholed into some marginalized category. Racial minorities yes, but also religious minorities, ethnic minorities, women, disabled, mentally challenged, emotionally challenged, indigenous people, first generation immigrants, low-income families, single parent families, no parent families, LGBTQ+ community members, unemployed and underemployed, homeless or unhomed individuals, the elderly, non-English or ESL speaking individuals.

We can go on although likely we have already described somebody that 99% of the people reading this will recognized as a friend, an associate, perhaps even as family. How do we not let these people who we love ever to become not one of the “all men” in the all men who are created equal group?

We do it by what we have been encouraging since we began these posts. Uplift those around you, share yourself with them, accept them as you would have them accept you, love unconditionally by at least one of the seven loves. Be positive. Be authentic. Be a difference maker. How you do it doesn’t have to be perfect. It can be awkward. It can feel strange at first. It just has to be meaningful.

It should never again take nearly two and a half centuries to finally get around to doing what we say. Start today, continue tomorrow, and then every day, become the difference maker in someone’s life who otherwise may be shackled by people’s indifference and even cruelty to them. Yes, you can do it. You can make a difference for all men. The all people in all men.  

You don’t have to be perfect. You only have to care. For all of us.     

   #Freedom #Juneteenth #Love #Equality #DifferenceMaker #LiveLoveShare