What’s Free?; A Look into Juneteenth
6/19/2023 7:22:00 AM | General
"Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another."
– Toni Morrison
As we enter Juneteenth this year, I've always felt that the aforementioned quote is just one of many sayings that accurately touches upon the significance of the holiday.
"Freedom" can mean many things. Sometimes we don't truly realize what it entails, or do not understand the term as a whole. Sometimes we recognize freedom that is present but do not take necessary advantage. Sometimes we simply aren't free due to our surrounding environment.
"It's an opportunity to both look back but to look ahead to make sure that that notion of freedom and the fragility of it is always protected and celebrated."
– Lonnie Bunch
As an African-American male, I am thankful we have a day in the middle of June every year which serves as a reminder that our culture has plenty of points to stand on.
Three years ago, the world came to a pause during a deadly pandemic. Through those tough times for all, I do recall there being more time for reflection and discussion centering on Juneteenth once summer 2020 arrived. Celebrated every June 19, that particular date in 2020 happened four months after the emergence of COVID-19 in the United States, and quarantine talks were constant. The renewed interest from others caught my own attention. It trended as more widespread on social media and throughout communities. One could argue this was in part due to recent protests against social unrest. Important conversations were started, and it felt as if a collective, greater knowledge of the holiday had developed.
Now, obviously, there are many folks out there who know all about Juneteenth, tracing back to way before 2020. I mainly just felt that time in particular was a prime example of how this present-day "digital age" allows for topics to be discussed in a great manner through different platforms. It was merely just under a year later, in 2021, when signed legislation turned the long-standing holiday into a federal one.
Juneteenth has always meant a lot to me. There's much to celebrate about African-American culture, and I've had several historical figures play an influential role in my life. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, the list goes on, ranging from activists, to athletes, to artists and more. Those first familiar names inspired me in how they articulated their purpose in fighting for justice and rights. Generations pass by, and the world is constantly changing, but historical influence will always be there. Of course, it's easy to get caught up in the struggles and hardships. Nevertheless, in my eyes, Juneteenth remains an important 24 hours to step back.
One is not truly free until one is able to regain his or her identity.
Currently working as a sports information director, commonly referred to as SIDs, in collegiate athletics, I remember my start in the line of work about three years ago. An old mentor had acknowledged less than 4% of minorities worked within the field. Additionally, this included a notion about the importance of standing out. As the work of an SID has changed over time, so has opportunities for minorities. This all connects back to the "freedom" piece. My job is unique in how it provides the privilege of telling stories of collegiate teams and athletes. Promotion is greater now than it's ever been, and SIDs feel a responsibility to publicize the programs within their school in the best possible light. Being a former collegiate student-athlete myself, I know how fast those years breeze by, and want to give players memories that they can hold onto once their days on the field or court have officially wrapped. That indeed is a "free" feeling one begins to realize as ideas and tactics continually develop. Some of the best stories are told through sports.
Opportunity is earned, not given. On a daily basis, I try to remind myself how fortunate I am to be in this position at this level. Growing up as a big fan of the Atlantic Coast Conference, it still feels surreal at times. I'm big on maximizing any and all opportunities. I've seen some take full control. However, I have also witnessed wasted chances and potential, which hurts the heart every time. I feel it is important to remember what James Baldwin once said:
"If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go."
Everyone's path is different. My own journey in this SID world is still relatively fresh, only a couple of years in, but remembering where I came from remains the best motivation. I am sure others can relate, especially those of my culture. I hope to see more and more opportunities emerge for others as the days go on. Some of the best conclusions tend to happen when you have a mixture of minds in the room. Possibilities are endless and we have made strides over time. Still, it only takes a click on the internet or on your TV remote to see social ills are still prevalent.
This Juneteenth, I would challenge everyone to have true conversations with family and friends on where their peace currently lies. Of course, you can't have peace without freedom.
"Whether it's freedom to express, freedom to live, freedom to earn, freedom to thrive, freedom to learn, whatever it is, I want to make sure that I'm a part of these spaces and opening doors."
– Angela Rye
Happy Juneteenth! #GoDeacs
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