Challenge: Define Your Freedom

June 19th (Juneteenth) commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is an annual celebration of the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. It has been celebrated by various groups of African Americans since the late 1800s, though it was not an official national holiday until 2021.

Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free and independent states. The Congress voted to approve independence on July 2 and adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4.

Looking back 256 years in America, Black people were an enslaved race, and the indigenous Indians were cruelly displaced from their lands.  United, free and independent was not intended to serve all, yet many of these same groups incorporate the historic day of observance into their family traditions, and to this day continue to celebrate.

We challenge you to really think about this American day of independence. Is it truly independent while so many inequitable conditions exist for so many people?  Are we truly have independent while life-impacting decisions are often made without the input or consideration of those who are affected? What will your solutions be? That’s our challenge to you as you define and celebrate each holiday. 

In the spirit of independence and freedom we want to make sure you have an opportunity to define it and Black economic improvement, for yourself. Dialogue is key, so have healthy conversations with your family, neighbors, and community. There are many ways to establish what independence means and how you want to celebrate it. And while you're at it, don't forget to join the effort to build Minnesota’s first Black-led community credit union. Let your voice be heard by taking a quick pledge survey.

Click here to support the credit union or scan the following QR-code: https://www.learnaboutvillage.org/pre-customer-survey