a collective experience of meaning 🎆
Every year in the United States, there are multiple holidays that honor or celebrate some dimension or representation of freedom.
Two of them - Juneteenth and July 4th - seem to follow back to back.
I tend to process things deeply - sometimes a gift, sometimes a challenge. Either way, it honors the complexity of life and human experience. Books, videos, or movies that make an impact often continue to play through my head and body in the words, images, and feelings they elicit long after the last page has been turned or final credits have rolled.
Because of that, it feels like Juneteenth was only yesterday, even as we now recognize the July 4th holiday.
Tuesday (July 4th) celebrated an original declaration of independence and freedom...for some. Juneteenth celebrated the notice of it finally being declared for others.
Each is occasion to celebrate, acknowledge the progress, and share joy in the recognition of advancement toward an ideal of "liberty and justice for all". 🗽
Given the parallels, I can't help also pause and reflect on the local and nationwide contrasts between the two.
How is each date honored by families, communities and corporations?
Who participates in the celebrations?
How big are the crowds?
How well-funded are the events?
What is their call to action?
There is great value in sharing a collective experience of joy, wonder, laughter, and meaning. These are irreplaceable sources of rejuvenation and inspiration. They help to refuel you and your loved ones for the daily challenges and strains as well as the longterm battles.
My hope is that your day is full of such moments...moments to experience what freedom really means...that freedom allows you to gather publicly or privately, talk openly, and connect safely as your whole, wondrous, amazing self in spaces of love, affirmation, and inclusion.
My hope is that these celebrations remind you of how precious this is, and how precious you are.
My hope is that recognizing, honoring, and experiencing moments of full liberty fills you with the ongoing confidence, courage, and compassion to share (and create) moments like this with and for yourself and others. There are so many who still don't experience this on a consistent basis.
As I continue to process what these holidays mean to me, I continue to remember...
Each date in history originally represented a concrete step toward the promise of liberation.
Neither represented a final destination. Both represented an opportunity...one we continue to face with urgency today.
We are stronger when everyone has freedom to be and become who they are in the most whole, healthy version of themselves.
In this process, as in every day...
You matter. You make a difference. And, I'm so thankful you're here.
