Fresno’s DJ Kay Rich: Juneteenth builds unity, educates the masses, challenges racism

I am a Black man. The strength and resiliency of African Americans transcends hundreds of years of oppression and racism, which are both social ills that we challenge today with steadfast commitment. Necessary change requires that we know our history and the lessons they have taught us.

On June 19, 1865 a Union soldier named Maj. Gordan Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with federal orders that informed the enslaved people they were now free. This was 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed that abolished slavery. Texas was the last state in the confederacy to be informed that slavery had ended. Juneteenth is the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Texas, but through time it has become a celebration in many states throughout the country. The scope of the celebration has also evolved.

As a child I was never taught about Juneteenth in school. Fortunately, community celebrations were held each year that educated participants about the history of Juneteenth. African American culture was taught through varied mediums such as art, music, dance, food, spoken word and more. There were opportunities to discuss issues impacting our community, meet community leaders and learn about community resources and educational opportunities for empowerment. Interest in civic engagement among African Americans was often sparked at these gatherings while children saw other families who looked like their family.

Celebrating Juneteenth today is even more important! It is just one of many forums to build solidarity, educate the masses and challenge racist practices that continue to plague the African American community. I believe that Black Lives Matter must be at the forefront of every Juneteenth celebration around the country and our efforts must not stop there. We will continue our work with our allies to eliminate police brutality and the systemic racism that permeates and weakens our communities and democracy.

We, the community of Fresno, wanted to paint Black Lives Matter on the street in front of City Hall, to unite in solidarity with other cities around the country and world for a declaration of Black Lives Matter. I spoke with Wilma Quan, Fresno’s city manager, to support the voices of the community regarding this request. The city of Fresno agreed and supported the “Black Lives Matter” street art painting in front of City Hall.

Moreover, we requested a proclamation for an annual declaration for “Black Lives Matter Day” on June 18th which is one day before Juneteenth. This is just a beginning step towards working with our city government, police department, and schools to eradicate racism and champion human rights.

Fresno is a stronger community than sometimes credited or understood. The recent peaceful protest was an epic moment in the history of Fresno. Approximately 3,500 people gathered to stand in unity to protest police brutality and injustice. Yes, we have the ability to come together and organize for positive change.

A separate campaign entitled the “Lift Every Voice Mural Tour” has gathered talented artists through Dulce Upfront’s leadership to effectively use their skills to respond to injustice using “art as our weapon”. The murals raise awareness for the causes of protest in Fresno and the need for systemic and institutional change.

Fresno’s history of racially charged encounters with police brutality, systemic racism, oppression and other acts of racial violence is the history of America. As Casarae L. Abdul-Ghani says, “Artists give a voice to the unheard and create a language for the voiceless. They make the world cognizant of hard truths associated with America and the Western world’s racial present.”

This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 5:00 AM.