To my knowledge today, June 19, 2020, will be the first time in 155 years since the formal end of slavery, that Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day,” will be widely and publicly acknowledged by some, and celebrated by others.
The Black community is faced with the drastic and dismantling impact of COVID-19. This pandemic should serve as a call to action for increased awareness and a greater commitment to centering the lived experiences and needs of communities of color.