Statement from Hon. Michael A. Blake on Juneteenth

[View this email in your browser]( In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves ... henceforward shall be free." This news spread across the Ohio River, where Gospel emerged from bondage, and through the Kentucky Black Mountains, where Black men and women mined coal against their will. The information moved slowly to the western frontiers, where many slaves remained unaware of their legal status. Too often, people think that our Black Ancestors received freedom upon the Emancipation Proclamation, but that simply isn't true. Many waited until the New Year, so we celebrated Watchnight, as freedom would come at midnight. However, our Sisters and Brothers in Galveston, Texas, waited even longer. They didn't learn of their freedom until June 19th, 1865, two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The delay in this critical information slowed down their access to rights and progress toward freedom. Juneteenth commemorates generations of enslaved people finally getting FREEDOM. Children, mothers, fathers and grandparents who dreamed of political and personal freedom, finally saying it's in our hands. Their lived experiences birthed expressive writings, African folklore, blues and R&B music, and quilted art symbolizing heritage and defiance. Recently, I attended The White House Juneteenth celebration standing before the institution built by slave labor, where I witnessed hundreds of Sisters and Brothers dancing to the rhythm of our Freedom. Young Black Leaders embracing each other, Freedom Fighters continuing to demand criminal justice reform and Elected Officials who showed that they can dance a step or two (We see you Vice President and Auntie Congresswoman Maxine Waters!) Days later, I visited the Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church's Refuge Room in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Black families sought shelter during the three days of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. I believe the Almighty anointed the room to protect His children. On a shelf was a dictionary, where those inside decided to learn, share and love while disaster and chaos ensued outside their walls. These moments are signified delays in our freedoms, but it certainly did not deny them. Today, we celebrate Juneteeth, a holiday that we gladly share with the world as we reflect on how Black folk finally received Freedom. We must remember the words of Indigenous activist Lila Watson: "If you have come to help, you are wasting your time. If you have come because your LIBERATION is bound up with mine, then let us work together." Our path forward is one where we acknowledge that freedom may be delayed, but it will never be denied. This is the core of Juneteenth. Imagine the enormity of realizing delayed awareness stole months - if not years - of freedom. Our Ancestors paved the way for Justice to prevail, so our fight for freedom can never stall. The battlefields may be different, but our convictions remain steadfast in an environment of attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Affirmative Action, Black business, reparations and even the books we read. Freedom was delayed, but because of Juneteenth, we have confirmation that Freedom will not be denied. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( [Email](mailto:hello@atlassstrategy.group) [Instagram]( Copyright © 2024 Atlas Strategy Group, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Atlas Strategy Group 1 Bruckner BlvdBronx, NY 10454 [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.