June
As a society we have a long way to go. We still have crime, we still have poverty, and we still have issues respecting each other’s differences. People gravitate toward others with similar interests and cultures, and this has created some social divide in this country. However, we must also take time to realize that we have made progress. Over the last several years, our society has put effort in recognizing the lifestyles and cultures of others and this helped changed the dialogue in America. June is a month full of events that has helped raise the awareness of minority cultures and we must continue to help each other understand what makes us different. Understanding each other’s difference is the first step to accepting people who are different than ourselves and a necessary step to bridge any cultural divide.
Pride Month
June is considered LGBT Pride month. This was nationally recognized at the turn of the century when President Clinton first declared it in 1999. It is the month where the LGBT community and all its supporters have marches and other programs to rase awareness in the LGBT community. It has turned into an annual affair where people get to be proud of who they are, and they get to celebrate their culture. The support for Pride Month has been growing and it has allowed for others to understand the needs and challenges of the LGBT community. There are still people who do not support Pride Month and there likely will always be. However, the growing popularity of its celebration is progress for the entire country. Whenever a subculture can express themselves and help others understand who they are it is progress. Understanding is key to accepting others and bridging the gaps that pull us apart.
Juneteenth
Another major event that occurs in June is Juneteenth. This holiday is the day that honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Celebrated on June 19th annually, this holiday has not received the national attention it deserved until recently. There are countless reasons as to why this holiday was not front and center in the past, but we cannot change that. All we can do is ensure that it is given the justice it deserves going forward. Many major businesses and organizations have put a lot of effort into recognizing this holiday and it was declared a federal holiday in 2021. Being thrust into the national spotlight has allowed for greater conversations about the holiday, what it means, how to celebrate, and has pushed the dialogue of racism into the limelight. Hopefully the attention being given to this historic day and holiday will help raise the countries understanding of it and help push the needle forward. Once again, understanding someone else’s past is the best way to help bring us together for the future.
Over the last 100 years are country has made progress in fixing past mistakes. The progress has been accelerated the last decade and our ability, as a society, to celebrate the cultures of different people is improving. There will always be people who are prejudice and hateful and we must combat this with understanding, education, and love. It is okay to be different, but it is criminal to let the differences between us divide us. History has shown that when we come together as one people and one country there is nothing we cannot achieve. Fight hate with understanding and always try to embrace people with different cultures and different lifestyles. Finally, if you are unsure how to celebrate Pride Month or Juneteeth ask a friend or reach out to your local community leader. There is always someone out there who will be willing to help educate others. Never be afraid to learn about something new.