Fawn Walker-Montgomery: Juneteenth is not enough

by Fawn Walker-Montgomery For this column, I want to continue the conversation around Juneteenth. Specifically, passing it as a federal holiday as not enough. Last time, I compared the current situation with Juneteenth in Pittsburgh to either/or thinking, which is a tool of White supremacy. Furthermore, I highlighted the need for local celebrations to center sustainable long-term collective education within the Black community. I am referring to the decision to spend over $200,000 on two celebrations instead of using funds to have multiple events throughout the city. While I appreciate the highlighting of Black entertainment, art and revenue to local Black businesses, a higher priority should be placed on education and sustainable programming to help the Black community. This could also result in a collective shift in thinking, increase conscious levels and self-reliance among the local Black community. Additionally, simply recognizing Juneteenth and hosting events is not a substitute for addressing the ongoing racism faced by Black people. Since the age of 11, I have been active in the movement for Black liberation and social justice, took part in various racial justice causes and led protests in 2020, etc. Therefore, I can say with a full chest that “making Juneteenth...