As Juneteenth approaches, it's time to reflect on a pivotal moment in American history. Celebrated on June 19th, Juneteenth commemorates General Order No. 3, issued in 1865 by Union General Gordon Granger, which enforced the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas and freed the last remaining slaves in the state. This decree, issued two and a half years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, marked the true end of slavery in the most remote areas of the Confederacy.
Granger’s order was posted around town and communicated largely by slave masters, not read aloud by the Union Army.
This forced many to learn of their freedom through written notices—underscoring the critical importance of literacy. It’s a harsh reality that despite the brutal suffering endured by so many, literacy and self-education are still not prioritized by some business owners today.
This is why I call Juneteenth the "best saddest day" in history. The end of slavery was an immense victory, but it came at a horrifying human cost. Millions suffered and died for the freedom we now enjoy. Yet, many business owners today dishonor their sacrifices by refusing to read and educate themselves.
In today's world, the lack of reading and self-education among business owners is a form of mental slavery. It's appalling that the very thing that signified freedom in 1865—being able to read the proclamation of liberty—is now neglected by those who have the most to gain from it. The refusal to read and learn is not just laziness; it’s a slap in the face to those who fought and died for our freedom.
General Order No. 3 was not read aloud; it was posted around town, meaning people had to read it for themselves to understand their freedom. Reading has been a crucial tool for empowerment and self-determination for centuries. So, why are so many business owners today still mentally enslaved due to a lack of reading?
This is not to cast judgment or induce guilt but to issue a plea for breaking free from the chains of mental slavery.
Knowledge is power, and the ability to read and understand the world is a fundamental step towards true freedom. By neglecting to read and educate ourselves, we dishonor the memory of those who endured unimaginable suffering for our freedom.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us remember that the fight for freedom is ongoing. The end of physical slavery was a monumental step, but we must continue to strive for mental liberation. Our ancestors fought and died for a future where their descendants could live free from oppression. Don’t let their sacrifices be in vain. Read, learn, grow, and most importantly, break free from any mental chains that hold you back. Honor their memory by embracing the freedom they fought so hard to secure.
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