As part of our ongoing series of equity writings, today we share thoughts from Marshall Collins about Juneteenth National Independence Day, the federal holiday commemorating the day when, in Galveston, Texas, the last slaves in the United States were freed. Their freedom came 900 days after the Emancipation Proclamation and 71 days after Robert E. Lee surrendered. Marshall has been at the forefront of northern Michigan’s equity movement, serving as a leader in Northern Michigan E3 and as a frequent spokesperson on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Marshall also serves as Chair of Groundwork’s Board Equity Committee.

Marshall Collins: To start, I believe Juneteenth is a deeply important holiday in American history because it marks the day when true freedom was extended to all people in the United States. It represents the moment when the promise of liberty finally included everyone. For me, the fact that we’re now celebrating our sixth year of Juneteenth here in Traverse City is significant. It stands out as one of the first events in our region to truly honor and celebrate Black culture.

I had heard of Juneteenth some years ago, but never really understood what it was, especially growing up here in northern Michigan, as it’s not really taught. But I’d say maybe 15 years ago I first heard of Juneteenth. So we didn’t celebrate it in our family, or anything like that.

One reason might have been that when I was young, my family lived in Florida, and in May we’d leave Florida and come up here to do our summer seasonal work. So I was never in Florida on June 19th when celebrations were happening there. I remember seeing celebrations on TV, but not really understanding what it was about. I just saw it as a Black cultural event. It was later that I came to see it as a reminder that when it comes to freedom, we need to keep everybody in mind, make sure everybody is free.

I think this year’s Juneteenth celebration in Traverse City is going to be bigger. There’s going to be more things to do, more involvement for the community.

A main thing this year is that E3 and our community had a pretty bad shake up with the passing of Holly-ba, and so as a group, we will be celebrating her also on this day, as she was a big part of our of E3 community. Holly will be the heart of Juneteenth. While we also remember that Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery, we have to remember what Holly meant to the community and our E3 family. [Editor note: Holly T. Bird was a careerlong advocate of Indigenous rights, civil rights, children, and the environment. When she passed away this spring, in the Indigenous tradition, “-ba” was added to Holly’s name as a way to honor that passage. Holly was the Clean Energy Specialist at Groundwork at the time of her passing.]

This year the Juneteenth celebration will be centralized at Northwestern Michigan College’s courtyard area. At 3pm we will start things with a screening of the film “Who We Are,” which is a documentary about the history of racism in America. From 5 to 6 there will be children activities and a story time. Then the main program from 6 to 7:30pm, and finally roller skating at the Civic Center. [See agenda below.]

Of course, Juneteenth leads us all to think about racism in America. I mean, in Florida I dealt with racism. Up here, I’ve dealt with racism, too. It is just honestly a part of our society that, you know, sucks. But overall, for me personally, race relations have been pretty good. I’ve had my run-ins, but you know, my parents raised me to kind of adapt to situations while also standing up for my beliefs and values. If I see something, I say something.

I feel racism has changed during my life because more people are standing up against it. And I believe some people who have been raised in a racist household are realizing that they were raised wrongly, and they’re now trying to make a difference.

I think the best advice I can give people is one of the things that Holly would always say, and my parents would also always say, and that is, it’s simply love. It’s also based on the bible passage 1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

That was one of the things that I was raised on. And I think that’s one of the things that really pulled Holly and me together. Holly was open to discussions. How can we connect? How can we get rid of the biases and false thoughts a person has in their heart? We always tried to look past people’s faults, you know, and just say, You know what? I love you. I got you. I don’t have to like you, but I love you. We’re all brothers and sisters when it comes down to it.

So I’d say, for today on Juneteenth, just do your research. Educate yourselves. Come out and enjoy the day like it’s the Fourth of July, Independence Day. Because, you know, on the Fourth of July, as people of color, we still weren’t considered equally. And this day is … this day is a true celebration of American freedom for all people.