1/ When I was a kid, when the Juneteenth parade rode near my house on Martin Luther King Dr., I had no idea what Juneteenth was. I just knew it was one of many summer festivals in Milwaukee. Later, my family and I, and my neighbors would walk the mile to the Juneteenth festival.

2/ At the festival, there were vendors, food, performances by local groups like the Ko-thi African Dance Troupe. Black politicians were there, and radio stations, and politicians. Miss Juneteenth would be crowned. Sometimes, my parents had a booth (once we were in the parade).

3/ But I didn't know what it was for when I was a kid. I just thought it was a festival in the hood. I did kind of wonder why there were no white people there, or very few white people.

I don't remember learning what Juneteenth was, but when I did, I became fascinated by it. I

4) became kind of obsessed for a while. Why didn't all Americans celebrate? I had and have my ideas why: a celebration of a particular date that ended chattel slavery was a celebration that chattel slavery was defeated. If those in power were to celebrate, they'd have to, in

5) effect, apologize. They have to admit that the end of slavery is worthy of celebration. They'd have to admit that slavery was horribly wrong and that what is existed was truly terrible. The country would have to take responsibility for what it did to Africans and black folks

6) later born in the US for years.

Maybe it's time to do this. In my email box, companies and organizations are mentioning Juneteenth. I, in my smugness, wonder how they pronounce it. I wonder if they were as ignorant of the holiday as I was as a kid. But I, in the spirit of

7) my ancestors, appreciate this recognition. Last I heard, both Virginia and New York are celebrating this day as a state holiday. Officially. I appreciate these states' first steps. Most states do! Wisconsin's recognition of Juneteenth happened with Senator Spencer Coggs,

8) a prominent black political family in my hometown. I grew up with some of the Coggs and was happy to learn that my neighbor and friend, Milele Coggs is now a city alderwoman and a lawyer (as a kid, she was a great break dancer).

I think the time is ripe for a national

9) celebration of Juneteenth. With the recognition of police brutality, with the challenges to white supremacy, with some steps towards defunding and/or reforming police forces in some states (but not all states because Trump), it's time for us all to recognize the importance of

10) day. Happy Juneteenth, y'all!

A couple of years ago, I wrote a poem called June 19, 1865. You can find it on Versewrights, or on the Tweet below: https://www.versewrights.com/bellinger-demisty-d.html