by Amy Gendreau, RDPFS Intern:
The federal holiday of Juneteenth, signed into law in 2021 by President Joseph Biden, commemorates the end of slavery, specifically when the last slaves of Galveston, Texas were informed on June 19,1865 of the abolishment of slavery. This observance is being recognized widely in terms of its meaning to individuals with disabilities. Nearly 13 million Americans of color have disabilities, according to a report released by The Disability and Philanthropy Forum. Following are examples of activities related to individuals with disabilities:
-In Arizona, in celebrating Juneteenth, AZ Public Broadcasting System (PBS) has highlighted the life and career of Blind Tom Wiggins, a classical pianist who has been called “the last American Slave.” Wiggins “’created an archive of sound commentary about the world in which he lived…’” An episode about his life is featured in their podcast “Take Note,” which can be heard via the Arizona PBS website or through the Podbean app. Read more here about Juneteenth: Blind Tom Wiggins.
– Access the Vote, an organization in Florida, features an article on their website, “Reflections on Juneteenth,” written by a woman who is “black…, who is also living with blindness and other health challenges.” The author discusses her “wonderful life,” graduating from an HBCU (Historically Black College), work as an educator and in local government, and advocacy efforts for people with disabilities and others. She points out how her life and accomplishments would not have been possible had slavery not been abolished. Read more here about Reflections on Juneteenth. The organization, Access the Vote, works on an ongoing basis “to make sure that every voter with a disability in Florida has a polling place they can access and voting equipment they can use.”
– The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), the UIC Disability Cultural Center, the Institute of Disability and Human Development, and Chicagoland People of Color Coalition (POCC), are hosting their Fourth Annual Accessible Juneteenth celebration on June 18, 2024, featuring musical performances and an open mic for participants. It will be held from 4 to 7:30 pm Central Time (CT/5 to 8:30 pm ET) in person in Chicago and livestreamed on their Facebook page that day. Read more on the UIC webpage on the Accessible Juneteenth 2024.
Observances Taking Place in Many Areas
Juneteenth observances are taking place in many areas. From the city of its origination, Galveston, Texas, to Washington, DC. Los Angeles, California, to New York City, to name a few, events are featuring solemn reflection and cheerful revelry alike. Parades, musical performances, film showings, museum exhibits featuring black artists, and more are among these celebrations. Read more on the DiversityComm webpage describing How Communities Across the Country Are Celebrating Juneteenth. For additional details about issues related to disabilities, read the Connect Chronicle webpages for the report on Race and Disability: A New Reckoning. For general information, visit the Wikipedia webpage on Juneteenth.
