Mural by OG Mugz – George Floyd’s friend. Located in Houston’s Third Ward

A Call to Action & Support

The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) has put out a call to action for Juneteenth (#SixNineteen) to mobilize digitally, in our communities, and in Washington D.C. for the weekend of June 19th-21st.

From small towns to big cities, these days of action will kick off on June 19th. This day honors Black freedom and Black resistance. It is a  moment to proclaim in one voice: BLACK LIVES MATTER!

History of Juneteenth: On June 19th, 1865 enslaved Africans in Texas finally received the news that they were “free.” This news arrived late, a full two and a half plus years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.  Even as folks celebrated their new freedom, lynching and terror increased, and Jim Crow laws began to be put in place. Many Black communities continue to celebrate our resilience and mark that  day in Texas when our ancestors learned of their freedom.

Decades later, we are still asking if Black lives matter and if we are really free.

In response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless other Black people who have been killed at the hands of vigilantes or law enforcement, millions continue to take to the streets with a clear and distinct call to end police violence, defund police and invest in Black communities.

Around the country incredible art is being created. Artists and scribes, photographers and musicians, dancers and spoken word artists have always documented our history, it’s a a song that flows through our movements.

Check out the vibrant murals in this article and this video of Oakland art.

This Juneteenth, let’s celebrate Black life by lifting up these calls and transforming our organizing towards deep power building and self-determination for Black people and for our Community Futures.

FRIDAY – JUNE 19TH

•    House of Ease Presents: Juneteenth 2020 Virtual Festival 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM PDT
•    Juneteenth West Coast Port Shutdown & Caravan to Frank Ogawa Plaza – 10am
•    Oakland Juneteenth Youth March & Rally 4-8
•    SF Juneteenth Rally & March 1 PM – 3 PM
•    2nd Annual Bike 4 Justice Rally in West Oakland – 12:30pm to 4pm

For actions around the country and general platform go to #SixNineteen

Stay safe out there. Put on your masks and … wash your hands!!

Yours in Power

Shaketa Redden Senior Lead Organizer
Housing, Land & Development / Community Rights