On first reckoning it may appear that this is an unnecessary and rhetorical measure. However, when one considers the nature and current status of recovery from historical trauma associated with slavery, it becomes clearer that the celebration of the end of slavery is indeed an event that may be appropriate today.

The persistence of mass incarceration; the disproportionality and interconnections between child removals from homes, foster care, incarceration, homelessness and chronic poverty; the racial disproportionality of criminal justice systems involvement and outcomes including the death penalty; and the disproportionate burdens of environmental pollution causing harm are all indicators that perhaps not everyone is aware that slavery has ended.

It seems the Juneteenth holiday may be a good opportunity for reflection as the Country ponders and examines where it actually stands relevant to the abolition of slavery and its commitment to racial equality.