Happy Juneteenth
Today we celebrate the abolition of slavery in the sate of Texas. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862. Though it was to be effective January 1, 1863 not everyone was on board. This includes Texas. Emancipation had to be enforced on June 18, 1865, by Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops. They arrived in Galveston, Texas to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of slaves.
Though slavery was abolished ignorance and cruelty remained even one hundred years later. Racial equality in the US has come a long way since the 1960's. In the 70's I was a white kid growing up in a mostly black community. I had many friends but also those who abused me because of the color of my skin. This did not change me or breed prejudice within me however. How could I be resentful knowing that even then black people were not treated the same as I. All I could do is what we must still do today in the face of lingering racism. We must show love in the face of hate and live as an example to others.