On this Juneteenth, we ask: what’s truly changed for the Black community in the last year:
From the Supreme Court rejecting the reduction of low-level drug offences unfairly impacting Black communities to the silence of our highest courts in the face of rising voter suppression laws sweeping across the nation, we are reminded on this day that much of the work for fair and equal due process is still ahead of us. We mark this moment but must act daily to challenge a system that continues to disproportionately imprison and prosecute Black women and men.
We heard of change on the horizon, yet so little has changed. Countless Black women and men continue to fall victim to police brutality and violence. As a semblance of justice has been served for George Floyd, none of the root causes of his death have been addressed. Black women and men are indiscriminately fatally shot by the police, endangering our communities and causing irreparable harm and grief. On this day, must remain engaged in demanding reform from our elected officials and local authorities. Our futures depend on it.
As the world took note of the extent of systemic racism in our society and communities, countless corporate pledges and commitments were made to help fight and repel its effects and impact. A year later, only 1% of publicly announced funds have been given and spent to an effective end. As we mark this symbolic day for the Black community, we’ve seen our plight used in word but very little in action. So we must continue to hold corporations, businesses and agencies with pledges accountable and honest, as to not leverage our suffering and struggle with nothing in return.
This is the work we must do everyday, to ensure effective change happens for us all. Mark this day, but we must keep fighting.
The work continues
