Celebrating Freedom for All: A Discussion on Juneteenth
Reggie Huey, Administrative Manager in SGH’s San Francisco Bay Area office, shares the importance of Juneteenth, what it means to him and his family, and the ways—big and small—we can all celebrate freedom.
What does Juneteenth mean to you?
Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on the history of Black people in America. In 1776, our people were not free. Even when slavery was over, some of us were still not free. Juneteenth brings us actual freedom, and it’s important to recognize this date as the starting point of true freedom for all.
My wife and I feel that it’s important for us to share the significance of this date with our kids, grandkids, and other young people. It’s not guaranteed they will learn about this in school, so it’s up to us to tell the stories.
How do you and your family celebrate Juneteenth?
I was seven years old when I was first initiated to Juneteenth. I was on a drill team in Richmond, CA, and participated in a parade. Now, where I live in Pittsburg, CA, people also honor the day with parades, gatherings, music, food, and games. I’ll be barbecuing with my five kids and four grandkids. We will wear shirts that honor Juneteenth, talk about its significance, and likely listen to some Marvin Gaye. It’s a family day.
Also, for several years, my wife has moderated Juneteenth discussions as part of her employer’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This year’s interview is with Brandon Byrd of Vanderbilt University, and we will watch it here at SGH.
Juneteenth is an opportunity to bring awareness to all—our family, friends, and colleagues. It’s important to share our similarities and differences as people so we can grow together as people.
How do you talk about Juneteenth with the young people in your family?
My grandkids are mixed—Black, White, and Mexican. My wife and I tell them that they are Black history. We talk to them, and all young people, about the years of free labor that occurred in Texas and in other places. We explain that Juneteenth is Freedom Day, an opportunity to celebrate our people, family, and freedom. And Freedom Day is for everyone—there is no color involved.
What do you wish more people understood about Juneteenth?
It’s important to know that not all people received the same freedoms at the same time. One group of people was 100 years behind. If we see every Independence Day as the same, we lose unique people and unique experiences.
I’d like people to see Juneteenth as an opportunity to look at their friends and neighbors and try to understand each other better, without judgment. We don’t need to understand how another person feels, but we can try to understand the humanity of what they’re experiencing.
How can others honor the holiday?
Ask questions. Just have a conversation. If you care about other people, you will care enough to ask a question about how they feel, without assuming. The conversations don’t have to be lengthy or overwhelming. You might ask why or how someone celebrates Juneteenth, Cinco de Mayo, or Memorial Day. Just being exposed to what other people do, and what is important to them, broadens your horizons so much and makes you a better person.
Participate. Join parades, visit a Black-owned business, look at something educational, or read Frederick Douglass’s address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” There’s a lot of great information available—just Google it.
Celebrate freedom. Have a barbeque, say hello to your neighbors, be friendly. It’s important to celebrate the freedoms of others, but not everyone celebrates the same. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, which is what makes it beautiful. I was raised to participate in parades, performances, and speeches, but not everyone was. But it does give me the ability to have a conversation with someone and express the importance of the holiday to me, and maybe that will influence someone else to find it important as well.
I’m inspired!
I’m glad. One of my goals is to inspire others to learn more about each other and build a community around our differences—not just the things we have in common.