"Why'd it take so long?" 🙋🏻♀️
"Why'd it take so long?"
In a world of instant messages, constant access to news, video calls, and computers we hold in the palm of our hands, my daughter was completely baffled about how it took over 2 years for the news and impact of emancipation to reach Galveston Island.
Two years in history can seem like the blink of an eye.
Yet, in the span of a person's life, consider how much can change in two years.
I've been reflecting a lot on the two-year time span.
🤔 Two years ago, my daughter had not yet started kindergarten.
🤔 Two years ago, four central members of my family were still with us celebrating birthdays, holidays, and every-days.
🤔 Two years ago, I had nothing more than the vision of Chrysalis in my heart, some notes scratched in a journal, and the encouragement of a close group of friends.
A lot can change in two years...
Sometimes through the natural passing of time.
Sometimes completely unpredictably and outside your control.
Sometimes through your intentional effort, hard work and dedication, and pursuit of a vision you hold dear.
And, most of the time, all of the above.
What comes up when you consider the impact of two years within your own life?
Where were you two years ago?
What has changed in your life since then?
How do you want to be living in two more years?
I imagine what those two years contained for the people still living under enslavement between January 1, 1863 and June 19, 1865...how many more lives lost? How much more suffering? How much additional destruction and heartbreak for the families who were torn apart...separated from partners, children, parents, and loved ones?
And I reflect again on my daughter's question...Why'd it take so long?
Granted, there was no instant messaging.
Still...two and a half years...
Perhaps questions like these questions come up for you, too...
What was it like to bring news of freedom and emancipation into places that were clearly bent on denying it?
Who was speaking up in Galveston before the 2,000 Union troops arrived?
How was the news of emancipation being discussed and communicated in the informal backchannels?
In this article about Juneteenth by the National Museum of African American History & Culture from the Smithsonian, they highlight "the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times" that is represented when we honor Juneteenth.
If you're anything like the changemakers, leaders, clients, and organizations I support, you could use a reminder of hope.
As you face the upcoming hours, months and years, in your personal life, local community, nation, and world, may you continue to find strength, solace, sincerity, and sustenance not only through your own internal resilience, but through the understanding, connection, and joined efforts with others who share your determination to leave the world more compassionate and just.
Happy Juneteenth.
You matter. You make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
