Today is Juneteenth. This is an observance of the ending of slavery in the United States. It’s an important holiday for people in the African American community. In the days we live in, we have to recognize that American history cannot be written without the uncomfortable truths of slavery, including black history. These days, some are seeking to erase the events that liberated a people who suffered greatly and labored under horrible conditions. There must be atonement for the sin of slavery and a vow to never repeat it. Unfortunately, there are people in this country who are “free” who do hard labor for very low wages in oppressive conditions. Juneteenth is about liberation and about real freedom of self-determination without chains and fear and violence.