A FEW REFLECTIONS ON JUNETEENTH

Last year at this time, we were proud to feature a series championing Black restaurateurs, chefs and entrepreneurs. One of them was Justin Tisdall, Co-Owner of Vancouver’s @jukefriedchicken, @beetboxveg and @chickadeeroom.

Today is ‘Juneteenth’, which commemorates the day (June 19, 1865) that enslaved Africans in Galveston, TX finally learned from Union soldiers that they were free, a full two years AFTER Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

“Juneteenth is a massively important day for me” says Tisdall. “While August 1, 1834 is the day that slavery was abolished in Canada, Juneteenth is one of the most important days in Black American history. However, freedom is one thing and equality is a whole other concern.”

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden signed legislation that established June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

“Speaking for myself it’s great to have allies but it’s hard to see the impact. These allies have been dominant for so long and we’ve been oppressed. It’s great that this (has been recognized) in the US but bittersweet as it took these dominant allies to decide that this is now a ‘solemn occasion’ for our culture,” says Tisdall. “It has always been an important day for the Black community long before it was widely recognized by the US Government. Don’t get me wrong — these are still huge steps that needed to be taken in terms of reconciliation and awareness.”

When it comes to ways in which non-Blacks can pay Juneteenth — or Emancipation Day on August 1 in Canada — the respect it so rightly deserves, Tisdall recommends education and reflection.

“When 17+ million Black people died just in the slave trade alone — not including actual slavery — these numbers are far too big to forget or history to gloss over. A day of remembrance or education is a step in the right direction. Support our local charities. Spend time telling your children the history lessons that may not learn in school.”