Finding hope and fostering change, against all odds.
What exactly does it mean to be liberated? Well, according to Brittanica, liberation is the act or process of freeing someone (or something). Although the Emancipation Proclamation ‘freed’ enslaved Black Americans in 1863, we still fight for justice, equality, system reform, and liberation in this country. In this battle, Black women have remained at the forefront, advocating for their communities and rallying for change. Today, we celebrate their pivotal role and unwavering commitment towards liberation in the United States.
Caribbean American writer, professor, poet, philosopher and activist, Audre Lorde.
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom?
As we celebrate milestones like Juneteenth, and acknowledge the strides made towards equality, the journey towards liberation continues. Juneteenth, recognized as a federal holiday only recently, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. It stands as a powerful symbol of Black liberation and resilience in the face of adversity. However, forced labor in the U.S. prison system still exists (and is legalized) to this very day, disproportionately affecting Black families. While Black Americans account for only 13% of the general population, we make up 37-38.8% of the prison population as a whole. Black women account for 29-30% of all incarcerated women, and are more likely to receive harsh sentences.
Fueling Change: The Power of Grassroots Movements
While Black women (often the backbone of their families and communities) bear the brunt of these injustices, they continue to facilitate spaces for mutual empowerment and collective action. Despite systemic barriers, Black women progressively build networks of support and solidarity, forging alliances across racial, ethnic, and gender lines. Grassroots movements like #BlackGirlsNeedSun, #SayHerName and Black Lives Matter highlight the intersectional struggles Black women face, and advocate for systemic reforms. In doing so, Black women lead by example, embodying courage, grace, innovation, and strength.
American voting and women's rights activist, community organizer, and vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party, Fannie Lou Hamer.
Looking Forward: The Path Towards a Liberated Future
Social liberation requires policy reform, dismantlement of systemic racism, and amplification of marginalized voices. These goals can only be achieved if we stand in solidarity, becoming a fully united force of change. Though the overall pursuit is collective freedom, the journey toward true liberation starts individually within each of us. By fostering empathy, advocating for justice, and actively participating in community initiatives, we pave the way for a more equitable and liberated society.
Organizations that strive for Black liberation and healing:
Sow St. Louis Liberation Fund | https://sowstlouisliberationfund.org
Black Liberation Fund | https://www.blackliberationfund.org/
Solidaire Action | https://solidaireaction.org/
Black Liberation Lab | https://blackliberationlab.org/
Deaconess Foundation | https://deaconess.org/
Bread & Roses Community Fund | https://breadrosesfund.org
Liberation Ventures | https://www.liberationventures.org/
Black Freedom Collective | https://blackfreedomcollective.org/
Mass Liberation Project | https://masslibproject.org/
Borealis Philanthropy | https://borealisphilanthropy.org/black-led-movement-fund/
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