This past week in the United States we had a Federal Holiday celebrating Juneteenth. I have written about Juneteenth before, so I decided to label this one “Bondage.”
I’m aware that not everyone will see and read the word “Bondage” to mean the same things.
I am so grateful to have my freedom and not be in bondage as a slave.
Although slavery in the United States ended in 1865, there are still enslaved people around the world.
“The number of people living in modern slavery is growing, reaching 50 million in 2021 — an increase of 10 million in less than six years.”
Mapped: The countries where modern slavery is most prevalent
Countries that Still Have Slavery 2025
Nowadays, depending on who you talk to and their willingness to have an open conversation about Critical Race Theory (CRT) tied to Juneteenth depends on what each person wants to hear and how you hear the conversation as it relates to you.
None of us wants to go back in time; however, it’s difficult to forget when our nation doesn’t respect or trust all people.
Although the education system that we live in today may or may not teach the same way Baby boomers were taught; I know specifically when you talk about the word slavery you will get different opinions.
Knowing that slavery was finally ended throughout the entire country after the American Civil War (1861–1865), there is more to that story.
As I began to read the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, blacks were at the bottom with whites on the top until 1865.
The caste system is still in effect today specifically in India.
Did Slavery in the U.S. End on Juneteenth? | TIME
I’m so grateful for the insight of President Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which ordered the liberation of all slaves in rebelling states.
I’m also grateful for the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing chattel slavery nationwide.
For me it’s the process which took several years and the commitment of others to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
How you and I celebrated Juneteenth this past week was up to us.
I had that opportunity again to celebrate Juneteenth and reflect publicly on what it meant to me when asked why I celebrate it.
As I watched the various news mediums explain or highlight Juneteenth many were hesitant to say anything much other that how those in Galveston Texas were the last to know about their freedom while keeping it politically correct.
Juneteenth and General Orders, No. 3 – Galveston Historical Foundation
However, Juneteenth is much bigger knowing that not just those living in Galveston Texas were free from their bondage as a slave, but everyone.
Today we have various major global conflicts or wars that are still happening all around us outside of the United States. Many of them experience their specific bondage for freedom.
We have heard the phrase “Freedom is not Free” which is credited to retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Walter Hitchcock of the New Mexico Military Institute.
Understanding Exactly Why “Freedom Is Not Free” – The National Center
Maybe I and those who served in the military have a greater understanding of freedom and what it means not to be in bondage.
Today, there is a constant barrage of noise that I must filter out about the various countries at war and how it’s affecting our economy at home in the United States and abroad.
Countries Currently at War / Countries at War 2025
Today, I challenge you to think about the word bondage and the freedoms that you are experiencing and enjoying right now. Although 160 years ago (1865) may not seem to have been a significant number what is significant is it took 156 years (2021) to make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday and yet we have a sitting President complaining about it in 2025.
Donald Trump Marks Juneteenth By Complaining About Federal Holidays
It’s probably because we have a President who doesn’t understand the word “Empathy” or refuses to acknowledge it.
“Empathy can be defined as the ability to truly understand the feelings of others. It’s the ability to put yourself into someone else’s shoes, be aware of their emotions and their perspectives.”
Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/bondage/
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