“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder that believing that all human beings are equal means nothing if your actions fail to support that belief.” ~ LMB
Juneteenth is a vital reminder of the two most basic rights allotted to every human being: freedom and absolute equality. These rights are for everyone—regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual preference, beliefs, wealth, fame, level of influence, and so on. Celebrating this day, educating yourself about this day, and providing opportunities for all human beings to learn about this day allow all of humanity to use these lessons from the past (and present) as guideposts for what to avoid in the future.
Absolute equality is vital for healthy relationships, systems, nations, and our world. Freeing the enslaved people was only one step in the journey to absolute equality. There are countless steps to be taken for everyone, on every level, to reach this bedrock human right—in your home, on the job, and in the world.
Inequality plays out on almost every level of society:
- Racial inequity
- Gender inequity
- Sexual inequity
- Educational inequity
- Religious inequity
- Age inequity, etc.
The irony about inequity is that regardless of which side of the equation you’re on, the impact is harmful. Inequality breeds anger and resentment—irrespective of how you dress it up. Anger and resentment lead to disconnection, contempt, broken relationships, systems, and nations. In those areas where you find yourself in the position of greater privilege, remind yourself to “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Challenge: Pay attention to the role of inequality all around you. Notice how it plays out in your romantic relationships, at work, with marginalized groups, in politics, religions, our nation, and our world. Humbly look at any areas where you say you believe in equality, yet your beliefs and actions don’t align: then work to have your words and actions align in every area of your life.
