Many of us have had to ask leadership, “What about me” and some of our leadership charade around as ‘good trouble but come clearly operate’ as Judas’. Big Mama said, Ask and receive, and know who are the ones we can and must trust. She told me to determine with conviction whose tools must be used to measure the words and the actions of everyone, including those in leadership. Big Mama told all her children at all times when we celebrate a holiday celebrate trust first\m then celebrate the role that fits you. George Floyd’s murder sparked global solidarity protests in more than 50 countries and carried us all to a social justice uprising we can now call a “new day dawning” on many “WOKE” issues. Now what was considered a ‘limited but necessary” state holiday, Juneteenth is now becoming a national cry for the commemoration of delayed freedom. But is it a celebration or a commemoration or both?
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen said, “Look to Jesus and hope He shows up in the middle of our betrayers.” It is well known that Jesus was in full control of everyone involved in His crucifixion, down to the timing of their involvement. He knew even Judas would betray him. And another would deny their relationship when under pressure. Betrayers are now embracing Juneteenth.
I am grateful for Lucille “Big Mama” Allen. She left me with many wisdom jewels. So we need to look in the mirror when we speak of betrayal and get our own house in order. So on Father’s Day and Juneteenth, we need another NEW DAY DAWNING. We have to lean on Leadership and you, our Community, to do the right thing. City Men Cook has lent the power of the social pen to drive attention, traffic and revenue to Black owned restaurants and online retailers during this dual holiday weekend. For Juneteenth and Fathers’ Day we must ensure that Iron sharpen Irons– as we come to celebrate Fathers’ Day and Juneteenth, we must remove the betrayers and make measurable steps to create authenticity. Our ancestors expect us to do the right thing. Big Mama, I hope I get this right!
Here’s my 5 step “What About Me” plan to celebrate the historical Juneteenth AND prevent a future Juneteenth;
- Celebrate the history of Juneteenth. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
- Tell the truth about the date and why it took so long. I.e., On June 19, 1865, a Union General rode into Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended, and slaves had been freed. Southern betrayers had kept the news to themselves until Union armies’ officially announced the news.
- Make Juneteenth be an inclusive holiday to mark the delayed injustice and structured opposition to freedom, the denial of 40 acres and a mule as you also infusive a conversation on reparations.
- Do not romanticize disinformation that the Civil war was not about ending/preserving slavery. Do not let betrayers execute an event that show sympathetic support of the enslavers.
- Lastly, do not let your Juneteenth event be solely about dancing, red sodas and watermelon. Let it be about our amazing cuisine, rich culture and delayed emancipation.
My event, City Men Cook will focus on Black Owned Businesses for this dual holiday. Join us at the paper and “do the right thing” and make sure we keep ‘_what about me’ _top of mind for Juneteenth and Father’s Day. Email me at terryallennr@gmail.com if you want to talk about the holiday.
Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryalllenpr@gmail.com
