I'm Adali Mo, and this is The Slowdown.

It's only recently that the importance of Juneteenth in the history of the United States

has gained the widespread recognition it deserves.

The name that combines the month of June and the date of the 19th, June 10th marks the

day in 1865, two years after the emancipation proclamation, when Texas was placed under

U.S. military control, proclaiming an end to slavery in the district of Texas.

These days, it seems like every politician and university and company is quick to celebrate

Juneteenth following the holidays' federal recognition.

And I could make some cynical comment about understanding its meaning before appropriating

the day.

But you know what?

I'm not going to do that.

I'm not going to be cynical.

Instead, I'm going to be grateful.

I'm grateful that people are finally recognizing the importance of Juneteenth, and the deep

meaning it has as the United States reckons with its history.

Right now, nothing feels easy, and everyone I know is grappling with so much, but I hope

we can all find some moments to celebrate our own lives, our own ways of being free.

Today's exquisite poem honors Juneteenth by finding little rebellions of joy.

I love this poem because the speaker allows pleasure to seep into her bones on a day

heavy with grief.

Juneteenth 2020 by Mariamma Lockington.

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