It is so important that these stories be told, because those in power are once again doing everything they can to erase any memories of this history. As Walter Benjamin (my avatar) wrote:
To articulate the past historically does not mean to recognize it ‘the way it really was’ (Ranke). It means to seize hold of a memory as it flashes up at a moment of danger... to retain that image of the past which unexpectedly appears to man singled out by history at a moment of danger. The danger affects both the content of the tradition and its receivers. The same threat hangs over both: that of becoming a tool of the ruling classes. In every era the attempt must be made anew to wrest tradition away from a conformism that is about to overpower it. The Messiah comes not only as the redeemer, he comes as the subduer of Antichrist. Only that historian will have the gift of fanning the spark of hope in the past who is firmly convinced that even the dead will not be safe from the enemy if he wins. And this enemy has not ceased to be victorious.
Honestly, I long for the day when Americans celebrate Jubilee and Juneteenth.
Anyone who's actually read the Bible knows that Jubilee was a year in which all debts were forgiven, land was returned to the families that owned it, slaves were set free.
Well, we set the slaves free, but we didn't pay them what they were owed. We took the land and never gave it back nor paid a fair price for it. And debt forgiveness? Not in this "Christian" nation. Haha...
Well, maybe Jubilee wouldn't solve all of the problems, but it would be a step in the right direction. Invest more money into tribes until we pay off the cost of the land. Give the descendants of slaves the cost of that 40 acres and a mule we owe them in 2025 dollars. Wipe the credit bureaus and debt collectors ledgers for all Americans.
And don't tell me we can't afford it. We could afford to do a lot of things if we had the will to do it. Setting our national ledger closer to balanced would be one of the better things we could pay for.
“ Black people could never be free. This remains especially true today.” And we seem to be going backwards.
My company sent out a memo earlier telling us all that they are still committed to D.E.I. I wrote to the CEO in response a big thank you. I wanted to go to a company that had Black women and men in higher positions and more than just one at that. They have a moral conscience that aligns and I’m so very grateful for that.
I wish a safe and healthy Juneteenth to all. On another note, it’s my husband’s birthday. A man who also believes in social justice.
It is so important that these stories be told, because those in power are once again doing everything they can to erase any memories of this history. As Walter Benjamin (my avatar) wrote:
To articulate the past historically does not mean to recognize it ‘the way it really was’ (Ranke). It means to seize hold of a memory as it flashes up at a moment of danger... to retain that image of the past which unexpectedly appears to man singled out by history at a moment of danger. The danger affects both the content of the tradition and its receivers. The same threat hangs over both: that of becoming a tool of the ruling classes. In every era the attempt must be made anew to wrest tradition away from a conformism that is about to overpower it. The Messiah comes not only as the redeemer, he comes as the subduer of Antichrist. Only that historian will have the gift of fanning the spark of hope in the past who is firmly convinced that even the dead will not be safe from the enemy if he wins. And this enemy has not ceased to be victorious.
https://www.sfu.ca/~andrewf/CONCEPT2.html
Let's follow her lead, indeed.
Happy Juneteenth.
Thank you for sharing this. And thank the Lord Ms. Opal Lee got her property back.
https://open.substack.com/pub/poetpastor/p/we-have-survived-before?r=5gejob&utm_medium=ios
Honestly, I long for the day when Americans celebrate Jubilee and Juneteenth.
Anyone who's actually read the Bible knows that Jubilee was a year in which all debts were forgiven, land was returned to the families that owned it, slaves were set free.
Well, we set the slaves free, but we didn't pay them what they were owed. We took the land and never gave it back nor paid a fair price for it. And debt forgiveness? Not in this "Christian" nation. Haha...
Well, maybe Jubilee wouldn't solve all of the problems, but it would be a step in the right direction. Invest more money into tribes until we pay off the cost of the land. Give the descendants of slaves the cost of that 40 acres and a mule we owe them in 2025 dollars. Wipe the credit bureaus and debt collectors ledgers for all Americans.
And don't tell me we can't afford it. We could afford to do a lot of things if we had the will to do it. Setting our national ledger closer to balanced would be one of the better things we could pay for.
I’m glad to learn about Ms. Lee getting her property back and that she can enjoy the rest of her days where she has always belonged.
This is so great to learn. And I am glad that Opal Lee persevered.
Happy Juneteenth!
And a happy Juneteenth to you too!
“ Black people could never be free. This remains especially true today.” And we seem to be going backwards.
My company sent out a memo earlier telling us all that they are still committed to D.E.I. I wrote to the CEO in response a big thank you. I wanted to go to a company that had Black women and men in higher positions and more than just one at that. They have a moral conscience that aligns and I’m so very grateful for that.
I wish a safe and healthy Juneteenth to all. On another note, it’s my husband’s birthday. A man who also believes in social justice.
Happy birthday to your husband!
Happy Birthday to your husband and I am grateful there's good folks (and companies) out there still.
Thank you Seth. High praise coming from you.
Opal Lee is an American hero!
100%!