NOW Courier Inc.’s Post

In this piece I explore layers of America's history, and ask us to consider how we confront our shared past and envision a united path forward. #newblogpost

Today we celebrate #Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a time to reflect on our history, recognize progress, and continue striving for equality and justice. Learn more about Juneteenth and its significance: https://lnkd.in/gfYtvYv7

Juneteenth is a pivotal moment in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the freedom of all enslaved people, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is not just a celebration of freedom but a vital opportunity to learn about our history. Understanding the significance of Juneteenth helps us grasp the complexities of cultural dynamics and the lasting impact of slavery on society today. By acknowledging and studying our true history, we can avoid repeating past mistakes and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves as a people, fostering a more inclusive and informed future. Let's celebrate freedom together as One Nation United! #JuneTeenth #OneNationUnited

America at a Crossroads: Confronting the Resurgence of Antisemitism and Upholding Our Core Values: The past year has been profoundly disorienting for American Jews. The country we once cherished, founded on the bedrock principles of liberty and fairness, and celebrated for its inherent kindness and inclusivity, once welcomed us with open arms and encouraged us to flourish as Jews. Yet today, we are left questioning: Does that America still exist, and if so, for how much longer? The horrific scenes unfolding on the streets of New York and Los Angeles, and on numerous university campuses, force us to confront an unsettling possibility: Are these the new norms in America?............

2nd December is recognized as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery by the United Nations. Forced labor, trafficking and domestic servitude are modern slavery which is on the rise according to UN. As an individual, if we are deprived of our individuality, space and personal freedom, we are also slaves either to circumstances or situations. America has a long and notorious history of slavery and we often encounter new instances of exploitation now and then. But slavery is not only about America, it is a burning question for the entire humanity. Though slavery has been officially abolished in the US long ago in 1865, but its cultural and internalized expressions still find room in many parts of the world. Official abolition did not mean complete eradication and cultural obliterations. I would like to highlight a few points: 1️⃣ Why do we still equate beauty and superiority with whiteness in many modern societies? 2️⃣ Why do we define slavery "natural" and "divine" when there is individual freedom granted by the God? These questions are quite troubling. Surprisingly, many of the US Presidents and political luminaries owned slaves. How can be the defenders of democracy be the promoters of slavery? We often hear the slogans, ''Make America Great Again", "America is Great". But the fact is America can never be great because the cultural schizophrenia of slavery is still prevalent. #slavery #abolishslavery #freedomofexpression #freedomforall

Did you know that Britain enslaved and trafficked over 12 million people from the African continent to the colonies between the 16th and 19th Century. This trade, and the wealth generated on the back of industrial use of enslaved and endentured labour, built the wealth and prosperity of Britain and the Empire that is still enduring in modern Britain. Did you know when slavery was abolished reparations were paid but to the slave owners for their 'loss of their property' which was over £20 million (equivalent to about £17 billion in today's money), shared between just over 3,000 British families. Not a penny of this went to the former slaves for their labour and suffering. This financial debt was only finally 'paid off' but the british taxpayer in 2015. With recent news stories about prominent individuals (a former MP) related to slave owning families demanding 'privacy' and requesting her name be removed from an academics factual account of his own family history and his ancestors being owned by her family, it is probably just about as good a time as any to have these conversations again. This video below is an excellent introduction to the topic and to common questions/arguments that may only come up in environments where Black and Brown people are not around to gently 'challenge' assumptions or inaccuracies. Following this and other news stories this week, and a conversation with a colleague about Wilberforce and abolition of slavery (hint: Wilberforce was not the first), I wanted to share this video... https://lnkd.in/eWTAREbR With Black History Month coming up (Starts 1st October in the UK), now could be an excellent time to consider how you and your organisation could celebrate Black History Month and reaffirm how you can continue to support colleagues and stakeholders from Black and brown ethnically minoritised backgrounds all year round. https://lnkd.in/euPnmCj7 These are both excellent written, sharable, resources... https://lnkd.in/eFGgzSc9 and https://lnkd.in/eJfFxFyJ

TODAY IN HISTORY Stephen Fuller Austin (November 3, 1793 – December 27, 1836) was an #american-born empresario. Known as the "Father of #texas" and the founder of Anglo Texas, he led the second and, ultimately, the successful colonization of the region by bringing 300 families and their slaves from the United States to the #tejas region of #mexico in 1825. #Slavery was a very important issue to Austin, one he called "of great interest" to him. Austin was a periodical slaveowner throughout his life; however, he had conflicting views about it. Theoretically, he believed slavery was wrong and went against the American ideal of liberty. In practice, however, he agreed with the social, #economic, and #political justifications for it, and worked hard to defend and expand it. Despite his defense of it, he also harbored concerns that the long-term effects of slavery would destroy American society. He grew particularly concerned following Nat Turner's rebellion in 1831, stating: "I sometimes shudder at the consequences and think that a large part of America will be #santodomingonized in 100, or 200 years. The idea of seeing such a country as this overrun by a slave population almost makes me weep. It is in vain to tell a North American that the white population will be destroyed some fifty or eighty years hence by the negroes, and that his daughters will be violated and Butchered by them." The #haitian Revolution (French: révolution haïtienne or French: La guerre de l'indépendance #french pronunciation: [ʁevɔlysjɔ̃ a.i.sjɛn]; Haitian Creole: Lagè d Lendependans) was a successful insurrection by self-liberated slaves against French colonial rule in #saintdomingue, now the sovereign state of Haiti. The revolt began on 22 August 1791, and ended in 1804 with the former colony's independence. It involved #black, #biracial, #french, #spanish, #british, and #polish participants—with the ex-slave Toussaint Louverture emerging as #haiti 's most prominent general. The revolution was the only slave uprising that led to the founding of a state which was both free from slavery (though not from forced labour) and ruled by non-whites and former captives. The successful revolution was a defining moment in the history of the Atlantic World and the revolution's effects on the institution of slavery were felt throughout the Americas. The end of French rule and the abolition of slavery in the former colony was followed by a successful defense of the freedoms the former slaves had won, and with the collaboration of already free people of color, of their independence from white #europeans. #art #nft #digitalart #3dart #cryptoart #nftcommunity #coin #casino #world #culture #history #heritage #contemporaryart #life #human #birthday #artist #science #technology #woman #man #past #future #biography #artcollector #modernart #creator

Today we honor, reflect, and commemorate #Juneteenth and the end of slavery in the United States. Learn more about this important day in American history: www.juneteenth.com and https://lnkd.in/gDimiCf2

Celebrate Freedom: Happy Juneteenth! Today, we honor Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. At HTF, we honor this day as a reminder of our enduring commitment to freedom and justice. As we reflect on this significant milestone, we also recognize that the fight against slavery continues. Today, we are dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking, ensuring that freedom and dignity are upheld for all. Together, let's reflect on the past, recognize the progress made, and recommit to creating a future where freedom and equality are truly universal. Join us in commemorating Juneteenth by reaffirming our shared values of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for every individual. Together, we can build a future free from the bonds of modern slavery. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #CelebrateFreedom #SocialJustice #BlackHistory #EqualityForAll #EndModernSlavery #LibertyAndJusticeForAll #JuneteenthCelebration #FreedomHonored #LibertyAndJustice #HonorHistory

We wish you a happy and safe Juneteenth! Juneteenth is an annual observance on June 19 to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865. This day is an opportunity for people to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States. On June 19, 1865, freedom finally came for the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas. That day, which would become known as Juneteenth, the Army arrived to enforce what had already been the law of the land for two and a half years — the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, we recognize that Juneteenth not only marks the end of America’s original sin of slavery but also the beginning of the work at the heart and soul of our Nation: making the promise of America real for every American. 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹𝘀 The Juneteenth flag consists of a rectangle. The lower part of the rectangle is red and the upper part is blue and it has a solid white, five-pointed star at its center. The star is surrounded by a white outline of a 12-pointed star. The Juneteenth flag is often displayed with the United States flag to symbolize that slavery is illegal. In Texas and some other southern states, the traditional drink on Juneteenth is Big Red soda. This variety of cream soda is a sweet, soft drink flavored with orange and lemon oils and vanilla. It is available in different flavors and with or without caffeine and sugar. #iPS #iPSPowerfulPeople #JuneTeenth #freedom #history #celebrations #FreedomDay #EmancipationProclamation #JuneteenthCelebration #Equality #History #BlackHistory #Freedom #LiberationDay #RememberingHistory #CelebrateFreedom #JuneteenthObservance #EndofSlavery #EqualRights #FreedomForAll #EmancipationDay #RecognizingHistory #MakingAmericaBetter