Juneteenth
This June 19th, known as Juneteenth, marks the approximate 156th anniversary of when Union soldiers arrived in Texas to declare and ensure the freedom of all slaves. This was notably 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed as Texas’s slave owners refused to acknowledge and comply with the statutes of the Emancipation Proclamation. Due to the complete disregard for the proclamation, federal soldiers were required to travel through the South to enforce and ensure the freedom of slaves. While the emancipation didn’t happen immediately and it wasn’t until December of 1865 that the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, newly freed slaves began rejoicing that June day and every June since the holiday has been observed with barbeques, festivals, parades, and often strawberry soda. Juneteenth is the United States’ oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of slavery’s end.
Juneteenth now focuses on the freedom, achievements, and education of African Americans. It is a time to acknowledge slavery and its continued impact on the U.S. and its society. We can only move forward and make lasting and significant improvements to the fabric of our nation if we are aware of and sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others.
This dedication to awareness begins with our own communities, for us that includes PPTC. While we boast the inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity of our club, we’d be remiss not to acknowledge its failings as well. We need to ask ourselves: Is PPTC protecting and supporting each one of our members equally regardless of race, sexual identity, gender identity, age, ability, and background? Are we celebrating everyone in the same way? Are we sensitive to each person’s experiences? As well meaning as PPTC is, oftentimes the club misses the mark. While inherently good, PPTC has blindspots. When those blindspots are identified, let's not shy away from them, but embrace them and work to find solutions.
We must continue to search ourselves and get uncomfortable with our thoughts as we explore our roles in the inequalities and faults of the club. I've struggled with this a lot and sat with the realization that what I've done or said has hurt people. There have been several times that I've fallen short and I continue to mess up. I've wanted to quit several times and fold myself up in a protected bubble, but that's not possible and would be a disservice to my coworkers, friends, running community, patients, family, and frankly myself.
While this process is painful- I struggle even now to accurately write what I am attempting to convey- pain is not a new phenomenon to me. As a runner, I run straight into discomfort constantly. Running can be a gut wrenching sport. I am often under the impression that I am fit and strong and then a workout knocks me down, but I keep working at it, because it is the only way to reap improvement. Likewise, I will keep having this conversation about racial equity and justice in an attempt to be a good steward of worthwhile change, even though it can be tiring and agonizing.
When approaching the work of racial justice, I find solace in the words of Maya Angelou, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Give yourself and others grace, we are all constantly learning. Let's continue to strive towards equity and work towards inclusion of all runners. Let's celebrate all people.
This week, as festivities for Juneteenth begin throughout the city, use running as your voice to protest against the injustices BIPOC experience and to celebrate the freedom of African Americans. There are several opportunities to commemorate and learn more about this monumental day, so grab a friend or family member, or march out on your own and use the sport you love to move in solidarity with African American people. Hope to see you all out on the streets!
Running Events:
Juneteenth 5K Run, Walk, BBQ: June 19, 12PM, Overlook Terrace - Riverside Dr. & West 155th Street. End: Morningside Park, 237-331 Manhattan Avenue. This event is free. Sign up to run, walk, or volunteer
Black Miles Matter & GFTC NYC : Presents Juneteenth Solidarity Run/Bike Ride: June 19, 4PM - 7:30PM, start at 75 South Elliott Place. The run/ride will be 4-5 miles ending at Cadman Plaza where food and drink will be available for purchase. The run/ride is free. Note, the Eventbrite posting shows this event as sold out, but you can just show up (as noted in comments in the linked Instagram post).
Black, Fit, and Educated, Inc. Virtual 5k: June 19th- August 17th. Sign up and make a donation to Black, Fit, and Educated, a non-profit that provides tools and support to help Black Americans become financially stable, learn how to battle health issues, etc. Fee: $25 + donation
CiRCA ‘95 x WRUCREW Celebration Of Black Joy 5K Run: June 19, Meet Up: 7:15pm / RUN: 7:30pm, meet at Mitchel Square Park, Broadway & W 167th, No Bag Check
Running to Protest: June 19 at 8PM, location TBA. This event is free.
Non-Running Related Events:
Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC: the INAUGURATION: Free virtual programs from 6-7:30pm daily for 1 week. Debuting on Sunday 6/13 and running through Friday 6/18. The finale is a block party on Saturday, 6/19 on 129th Street in Harlem, NY between 7th and 8th Aves and running from 12 noon to 6PM.
Juneteenth NYC: June 18th- 20th, virtual and in person at multiple locations in Brooklyn. This is the 12th Annual event and is free
Soul of Brooklyn: Juneteenth: June 19, Fort Green Place, events from 10AM through 6PM. MoCADA’s Soul of Brooklyn Festival is a gathering to celebrate freedom, community, and the diverse arts and cultures of Brooklyn’s African Diaspora. The event includes performances and workshops. RSVP is required.
PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to celebrate the diversity of our club and membership. We welcome and encourage everyone to share their stories with us.
Text by: Rachael DePalma (she/her) in consultation with Erica Harper (she/her)
Edited by: Linda S. Chan (she/her) and Erica Harper
Produced by: Linda S. Chan