Freedom for All, Freedom Forever

Juneteenth Reminds Us that Freedom Extends Beyond Holidays

There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate independence. There’s really just one way: Celebrating independence with everyone. This year is the third year that Juneteenth has been recognized as a federal holiday; the Fourth of July, which is just weeks away, was arguably the first national holiday in America.

But as African Americans know all too well, for far too long, the Independence Day that we celebrate on the Fourth of July didn’t include them. It wasn’t until slaves were officially emancipated could African Americans enjoy the freedom afforded to them as Americans, and even then, it was a hard-fought battle after that.

Acclaimed author and speaker Sisonke Msimang reminded us of that, and her powerful journey through apartheid South Africa is a testament that the struggles for freedom are far from over.

Which is why we celebrate both holidays as Americans. The Fourth of July is a reminder that all Americans should have the opportunity to pursue life, liberty, and happiness, and Juneteenth is a reminder that access to our shared American dream should apply to all. We challenge our friends, families, coworkers, colleagues, and clients to remember that good ol’ fashioned American freedom shouldn’t care about race, age, color, gender, creed, religion, and sexual identity or orientation. Freedom is guaranteed to everyone.

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