By Elizabeth Gilreath, Contributing Writer
Today, June 19th 2021, 156 years after the last American slaves received word of their freedom, we celebrate Juneteenth. Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 abolished slavery in the United States, all slaves were not made aware of it until 1865. After those in Texas were notified, many African Americans considered June 19th to be the day when slavery actually ended. The following year, the day was commemorated with prayer, dancing, singing and feasting together.
As we celebrate today, we can reflect on the past year, full of uncertainty, change, increased attention to racial disparities and a pursuit of justice. This Juneteenth we can acknowledge and celebrate the progress that has been made since 1865, yet understand that the job is not yet done. We are called to work towards justice and be peacemakers. In Isaiah 1:17, the Bible says “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Although slavery was abolished in the 1860s, human trafficking, also known as “modern day slavery”, still exists and impacts many, including African Americans.
In the United States, African Americans make up about 13% of the population, yet according to FBI data from 2012, it is estimated that 40% of human trafficking victims are African American. These lives matter. They hold equal value to anyone of another race or skin tone and they should be heard, seen, loved and respected. This sad reality is a part of a larger problem in the United States. Information shared by Chamberlain University suggests that social inequalities can lead to or be associated with poverty, which places someone in a vulnerable position that can be exploited by human traffickers. As you think about Juneteenth this year, keep advocating, fighting and listening. As Dr Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Those who celebrated the first Juneteenth teach us that even if some of us may be free and not living in slavery, this freedom cannot be fully appreciated until everyone can experience it.
Together, let’s acknowledge our shortcomings as a world, country and individuals and let’s work to ensure that all people are free. Let’s advocate not only for those who may look like us, have the same background, or share our life experiences but for every person facing injustice. Let’s not turn a blind eye to those suffering because most people are free; even one person facing injustice is worth fighting for. As we celebrate Juneteenth, would we approach this day with prayer as the first celebraters did. There could be prayers of thanksgiving for the justice we have seen and prayer for the freedom and protection of those currently enslaved or being taken advantage of. Would we reflect on God: our just redeemer and defender who sees and cares deeply for his children. Proverbs 23:10-11 say “Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.” Let’s join our strong and mighty savior as he defends.
You can make a difference in your community. We invite you to join One Bread Foundation in our fight to abolish child sex trafficking. Did you know you can help victims of child sex trafficking through your regular online shopping? One Bread Foundation is a charity affiliate of Amazon, Goodshop, Groupon and eBay. Visit onebread.org/shop-now to learn more, start shopping and benefit rehabilitation centers across the United States.
Sources and Further Reading:
U.S. Census Bureau: Quick Facts
Characteristics of Suspected Human Trafficking Incidents, 2008-2010
Crime in the United States 2012
Why Black Women are More at Risk for Human Trafficking – and What Nurses Can Do to Help