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Is it fair for the Black community to have their own holiday?
After hearing this, I was so taken aback.
I understand white privilege is a rampant issue in America and internationally, but the insensitivity of this question floored me.
The Meaning Behind MLK Day
Martin Luther King Day is bigger than Martin; it always has been.
This day recognizes the collective action that African Americans have taken throughout history to propel our community forward. There are many people who came before Martin Luther King Jr. that paved the way for him to help be the catalyst for legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Throughout history, the actions of our community have helped Black people receive:
Voting rights
Affirmative action
Just representation and fair trials
Employment and housing opportunities
Desegregation in public and private institutions
Now, all of these rights still require work, but we still have come such a long way because of Martin Luther King and millions of others who will never be named or known because their work was overlooked or a part of the greater collective.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day honors the civil rights activist and minister who helped bring about change and racial justice during his lifetime and continues to inspire the nation to reach the mountain top.
The road to creating the holiday was as arduous as that of the civil rights movement, taking 15 years to accomplish but still work remains. As one of the leading voices and activists of the civil rights movement in the 1950s, Martin Luther King, Jr helped bring about the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
His life was cut short though when he was assassinated on 4 April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee while standing on a balcony outside his room at the Lorraine Motel.
On this day of remembrance for the civil rights hero, Americans are asked not to rest but take action to create a more beloved community.
Source: Greg Heilman, AS, USA
Juneteenth Will Never Be Federally Recognized
Another person told a Black woman that Juneteenth should never and will never be a federally recognized holiday. Months later, Juneteenth was recognized and put into motion as a federal holiday by Joe Biden.
There are so many holidays linked to Eurocentric heritage. I think it’s fair to say that African-Americans can have at least two holidays, and it not be a problem.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth (June 19th), the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration, recognizes the demise of slavery in the United States.
July 4th celebrates the Independence of America, which was stolen from Native Americans and built by enslaved Africans. Yes, America’s independence is a remarkable feat, but how America was built into the most powerful country in the world was executed inappropriately.
Take time to learn about Juneteenth, a critical holiday that has transformed the lives of those who make up the African-American community. Be sure to celebrate this day when Black human lives were finally given their freedom and humanity.
Progress is progress, no matter how small. As African American people, we still have a long way to go and much to recover from, but we are moving forward.
White Privilege Is A Dangerous Slope
When you start to ask questions like: Why is MLK Day a federally recognized holiday, you’re climbing into another realm beyond white privilege.
Before questioning holidays that celebrate people of color and their often long and painful history, I strongly encourage you to educate yourself just as people of color must educate themselves on European and white-washed history every year that falls between K-12 within the academic school system.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.