Juneteenth is an important part of our history and culture — not Black history, but American history.

On June 19, 1865, the enslaved people of Texas, then the most remote region of the Confederacy, at last learned that all enslaved people were free. Upon hearing the news, they broke into jubilee.

The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) today announced programming plans for the continuation of its Year of Excellence & Resilience, a celebration of Black achievement that launched this January.

From a global pandemic to a renewed focus on social justice, many have suggested that historians will one day look back on 2020 as a turning point for our nation. Turning points can spark much-needed progressive change, but only if we cultivate it, educate our communities, and hold decision makers accountable.

“In times like these, compassion is more effective, light is more radiant, and hope is more eternal.”

Photos Courtesy of Jake Gravbrot / Converge Media

“In times like these, compassion is more effective, light is more radiant, and hope is more eternal. One string of commonality we all hold is that we are all in the land of the living together, breathing the same air, and thus connected to the same humanity. Everyone brings value to our shared humanity. We can all make living more hopeful for one another by sharing compassion one toward another. Hope and love, like despair and hate, are choices.”

“Not without flaws or challenges, NAAM is a testament to the struggle and the people who enabled NAAM to be here now. NAAM’s existence is an act of resistance to white supremacy culture and racism today.”

“In this piece, we will address the particular concern about the rights battle over the Colman School Building and NAAM’s involvement. To assist with clarity, we present the facts in the form of Frequently Asked Questions.”

“Together, we can and should courageously address the giants of our day and confront racism and privilege the way that our ancestors did. But this battle does not belong to the Black community. It belongs to every person who believes in, and advocates for, human rights.”