It’s not every day that you get to witness a historic event. Today is such a day. June 19th, referred to as “Juneteenth,” is a federal holiday - for the first time.
As a white woman of privilege, I feel that I should get down on my knees to every Black American I meet and beg their forgiveness for how they have always been treated in this country that we share. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in the constant fear and stress that surrounds them. I’m sorry, so very sorry, and I am trying to do better myself and to make this country a better place for you. Forgive me.
I just subscribed to Steady a few minutes ago and came across this Juneteenth post. While I appreciate everything it “is”, what was disappointing about the Vox video you extolled is that it doesn’t even give the actual history of how and why June 19th became “Juneteenth”! Most Americans did not even learn of this holiday until last week, or very recently. I was quite dismayed to find out that so many in my own extended family — all of whom I would have considered “woke” — were not aware of it. A few days after hearing that from them, I finally realized that I probably knew of it for so long only because I lived in Texas for a decade and spent a lot of time in Galveston. So why the video doesn’t even give the specifics of how Juneteenth came to be is a glaring omission in my book. Also, your text misspelled Karlos Hill’s name as Karols!
All three videos and your words are inspiring and educational. "Lift up Your Voice" is an all-time favorite song of mine, one I have asked my children to include in my memorial service., Like others, I listened and sang with both awe and sorrow. Thank you for this wonderful piece, reminding us that there is still much work to be done, particularly in the changing of minds, hearts and attitudes toward our Black brothers and sisters.
Oh how I love reading everything you write! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m singing the lyrics in my head and hearing your calming voice as I do it!
Hopeful yet, and beautiful but sad, and sometimes difficult to read and listen. Some previously unheard views that caused me to ponder. Thank you for a lovely presentation.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing to open our eyes to the truth of America so we can finally take the right steps towards healing & fulfilling the American dream for EVERYONE!
Thank you for your ongoing series "Holes in History." And MANY thanks for today's newsletter. I got chills listening to the glee club and was overwhelmed by those precious descendants of Frederick Douglass.
I just spent five meditative minutes listening to the Spelman Choir give voice to that gorgeous anthem. I wish I could have seen the facial expressions of the director because his body movements were captivating. Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday at the same time that conservative forces are ginning up CRT as the most racist concept ever--Ted Cruz in his specious political theater yesterday comparing it to the robes worn by KKK members--shines a strong light in the division in our country. Even though the Civil War is long finished it is not over in the hearts and souls of many White Americans who want their beliefs, their privileges, their superiority, their Christian religion, and their bigotry to be the law of the land. Many other Americans, like myself, want our diversity to be our strength and purpose. We want to recognize slavery for what it was, make reparations, and move on to a better, more fair, and more equal future for all of us in this country. This path, I believe, is the only way to reclaim and reenergize our status as one of the world's great nations. We must "Lift every voice, and sing" out our freedom and equality for all.
I’ve taught 2nd grade in Texas for the past few years. Black History Month is NOT in the TEKS, the state standards. I feel certain that Juneteenth will not be added. John Cornyn should be ashamed to have been standing there for the signing.
Having been born, raised, & educated in OH during the 50's & 60's, seen TV coverage of the oppression of Blacks, remembering "Colored" rest rooms (outhouses), & "Whites Only" water fountains, I was not happy! My parents didn't teach me racism & I never considered myself racist,but I used to be uneasy seeing a Black man with a white woman. No more, the "novelty of it has worn off, as since same sex couples, especially since a niece, cousin, & daughter are all in same sex marriages. Hurts nobody. Can't stand folks judging others not having "walked in their shoes"! Try it once.
Thank you. I enjoyed all three videos. I also watched this evening an online event with JDew, who gave excerpts from speeches by Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcolm X. I highly recommend his “onevoiceshow” events. I have heard him in live performances before Covid. He also shares videos of interviews with people about events from the 60s. Here’s a link to this specific one to watch on replay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykoQgUj3wdo&feature=youtu.be
Recently, you asked readers to submit the names of anyone we felt had been overlooked, by history. Allow me to suggest the name of Claudette Colvin. While I won't go into detail, concerning this woman's contribution to history, I will say this : I think she deserves to be recognized, while still living. Which, as I write this, she still is.
As a white woman of privilege, I feel that I should get down on my knees to every Black American I meet and beg their forgiveness for how they have always been treated in this country that we share. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in the constant fear and stress that surrounds them. I’m sorry, so very sorry, and I am trying to do better myself and to make this country a better place for you. Forgive me.
I just subscribed to Steady a few minutes ago and came across this Juneteenth post. While I appreciate everything it “is”, what was disappointing about the Vox video you extolled is that it doesn’t even give the actual history of how and why June 19th became “Juneteenth”! Most Americans did not even learn of this holiday until last week, or very recently. I was quite dismayed to find out that so many in my own extended family — all of whom I would have considered “woke” — were not aware of it. A few days after hearing that from them, I finally realized that I probably knew of it for so long only because I lived in Texas for a decade and spent a lot of time in Galveston. So why the video doesn’t even give the specifics of how Juneteenth came to be is a glaring omission in my book. Also, your text misspelled Karlos Hill’s name as Karols!
Thank you Dan Rather! And thanx to all tuose who posted comments!
All three videos and your words are inspiring and educational. "Lift up Your Voice" is an all-time favorite song of mine, one I have asked my children to include in my memorial service., Like others, I listened and sang with both awe and sorrow. Thank you for this wonderful piece, reminding us that there is still much work to be done, particularly in the changing of minds, hearts and attitudes toward our Black brothers and sisters.
Oh how I love reading everything you write! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m singing the lyrics in my head and hearing your calming voice as I do it!
Dan Rather, you are our Steady!!!!
Hopeful yet, and beautiful but sad, and sometimes difficult to read and listen. Some previously unheard views that caused me to ponder. Thank you for a lovely presentation.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing to open our eyes to the truth of America so we can finally take the right steps towards healing & fulfilling the American dream for EVERYONE!
Thank you for your ongoing series "Holes in History." And MANY thanks for today's newsletter. I got chills listening to the glee club and was overwhelmed by those precious descendants of Frederick Douglass.
Well written and heartfelt as always. Thank you. We white Americans have a lot to learn and atone for.
I just spent five meditative minutes listening to the Spelman Choir give voice to that gorgeous anthem. I wish I could have seen the facial expressions of the director because his body movements were captivating. Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday at the same time that conservative forces are ginning up CRT as the most racist concept ever--Ted Cruz in his specious political theater yesterday comparing it to the robes worn by KKK members--shines a strong light in the division in our country. Even though the Civil War is long finished it is not over in the hearts and souls of many White Americans who want their beliefs, their privileges, their superiority, their Christian religion, and their bigotry to be the law of the land. Many other Americans, like myself, want our diversity to be our strength and purpose. We want to recognize slavery for what it was, make reparations, and move on to a better, more fair, and more equal future for all of us in this country. This path, I believe, is the only way to reclaim and reenergize our status as one of the world's great nations. We must "Lift every voice, and sing" out our freedom and equality for all.
I’ve taught 2nd grade in Texas for the past few years. Black History Month is NOT in the TEKS, the state standards. I feel certain that Juneteenth will not be added. John Cornyn should be ashamed to have been standing there for the signing.
I agree. It was embarrassing to see him stand there and be "honored" for what amounts to his essential duplicity.
Mr Rather, you are an amazing awesome journalist
Agreed!
Enjoyed all videos. Loved the choir!
Having been born, raised, & educated in OH during the 50's & 60's, seen TV coverage of the oppression of Blacks, remembering "Colored" rest rooms (outhouses), & "Whites Only" water fountains, I was not happy! My parents didn't teach me racism & I never considered myself racist,but I used to be uneasy seeing a Black man with a white woman. No more, the "novelty of it has worn off, as since same sex couples, especially since a niece, cousin, & daughter are all in same sex marriages. Hurts nobody. Can't stand folks judging others not having "walked in their shoes"! Try it once.
Love the column.
Thank you. I enjoyed all three videos. I also watched this evening an online event with JDew, who gave excerpts from speeches by Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcolm X. I highly recommend his “onevoiceshow” events. I have heard him in live performances before Covid. He also shares videos of interviews with people about events from the 60s. Here’s a link to this specific one to watch on replay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykoQgUj3wdo&feature=youtu.be
Thank you Dan Rather. I have appreciated you for years.
Recently, you asked readers to submit the names of anyone we felt had been overlooked, by history. Allow me to suggest the name of Claudette Colvin. While I won't go into detail, concerning this woman's contribution to history, I will say this : I think she deserves to be recognized, while still living. Which, as I write this, she still is.
See what you can do.