Today is June 19. To most people it's just another day, no one takes a second thought about it. However, today something did happen today.
History time:
On this day 143 years ago, slaves in Galveston, TX were informed of their freedom. At first glance this may seem like a cause for celebration and happiness, and don't get me wrong freedom is always good. But take a deeper look at it. This year is 2008. 2008 -143 = 1865. On June 19, 1865, the slaves of Galveston, TX were finally granted their freedom. If you don't see what's wrong with this, let me fill in the missing pieces. A few years earlier, a man in a top hat wrote a declaration you may have heard of. Yes, I'm talking about Abe Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation went into full effect on January 1, 1863. So, it took 2 1/2 years for the Texans to free their slaves. Essentially, they were the last of the bunch. Slavery was officially abolished through the ratification of the 13th amendment in on Dec. 6, 1865.
So, my question is, how to we really "celebrate" this day. This holiday is a reminder more than anything of America's refusal to let go of slavery. We should be celebrating January 1. That's when we got our freedom. I believe we should look back and remember this day, but things like this...
(A eCard from 123Greetings.com)
Is the proud legacy remembering that America was a little bit late?
But let me leave on a good note. It's good to be free!
J2P.S. Apparently today is a state holiday in VA, so why am I at work?
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