Visions of Freedom
June 13, 2012
Visions of Freedom Blog Hop
Memorial Day, Juneteenth and Fourth of July are all American Holidays that commemorate historically significant days in our country centered around freedom. I have labeled this time of year Freedom Season because of all the celebrations and talk about freedom during this time of the year. Freedom is what our country was founded upon. This is sometimes incomprehensible because it is also the period in history that many Africans had their freedom taken. There are so many historical dates around the globe that show what people have given to stand for freedom. As we reflect on these amazing people and moments we can come together and share in the strength shown. We can take the lessons learned and proceed into a future full of freedom for all persons around the world.
Over at KiaraBlu we have established a special place in celebration of “Freedom Season”. Kiarablu has partnered with Goddess Angelika to sponser a Blog Hop and ongoing conversation on twitter about Freedom. We would love to have you join the hop and conversation. What do you think Freedom looks like? What does it mean to you?
Link up your blog post here: http://www.kiarablu.com/freedom
Or
Join us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/freedomsvision
Related articles
- Freedom to share the vision – #156/365 (cwithnueyes.wordpress.com)
- My Juneteenth Vision (blackgirlinsyracuse.wordpress.com)
- Jammin’ for Juneteenth (muskogeephoenix.com)
Sankofa – Patriotic moments
May 24, 2011
As we march into the patriotic holidays for our great nation over the next two months I would like to share some thoughts, memories and photos. Memorial Day, Juneteenth and The 4th of July are generally a time of celebration and a time to remember our brave men and women that have fought for true freedom!
Sankofa - Patriotic thoughts of WW I 369th Infantry
This beautiful photo was taken of the families celebrating the return of the brave soldiers of the 369th Infantry as they marched uptown in NYC! The soldiers were returning from their service in France. I love the smiles on the faces…so proud of these brave men! The African-American community has offered many citizens who served bravely in all the wars this nation has engaged in. We must continue to remember ALL the men and women who have served bravely to defend this nation. Sharing these old photos and stories with the next generation will give them a clear picture about the contributions many Black men and women have made to US history! I believe this is the spirit of SANKOFA….helping the next generations reach back and hold onto their history.
I have been privileged to have many stories and pictures passed on to me throughout my life.
Who are the people who have served our great nation in your family? Do you share stories with the youth?
Do you have a member of the family serving now? I would love to hear about them!!
Fawohodie Talk !!
June 9, 2010
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others…….”
Nelson Mandela
Fawohodie Adinkra symbol
Freedom Season – Remembering Fawohodie
June 7, 2010
Fawohodie Adinkra symbol
With the arrival of June and the beautiful warm weather my mind turns to thoughts of FREEDOM. The Adinkra symbol Fawohodie represents independence, emancipation and FREEDOM. Here in the US we of course have our national celebration of FREEDOM on July 4th — but for me, the count down to Juneteenth (June 19th) initiates thoughts of what FREEDOM means in this country! As African-Americans I think we are caught between a deep sense of patriotism for our country and the terrible truth of our ancestors shackled existence. Many of our Brothers and Sisters have stood and fought for our country’s FREEDOM throughout the history of this great nation! On the other hand we know that FREEDOM has not always been ours as a people in this country….we know the sacrifice that our ancestors gave to lay the foundation for this great nation!
Adding a Juneteenth celebration to the mix has given me the balance I sought for many years! It has offered me the opportunity to recognize the struggle of my ancestors. To acknowledge what a GREAT DAY it must have been for them to hear that word– FREEDOM! Imagine the Mothers and Fathers that learned their children would grow up as FREEmen and women! Although June 19th is not the date all former slaves were freed, it is when the last group was officially given this amazing news…..it was a day of completion! AMEN!
Fawohodie Adinkra Symbol
I now find it easier to celebrate on the Fourth of July because I have acknowledge the historical imbalance that once existed. I think if we are able to incorporate Juneteenth nationally many other African-Americans will feel this balance too! We can all rejoice in our blessings during a celebration of ”FREEDOM SEASON“
Here is a link to information regarding the history of the Juneteenth celebration! http://bit.ly/9guIIj
I wish you all a very happy and safe summer filled with wonderful celebrations of FAWOHODIE!!y
Juneteenth t-shirt by Kiarablu
