Let us remember how far we have come as a nation and not let division destroy our sacred purpose in history.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake City Tribune) A Juneteenth march takes place in the streets of Salt Lake City on Friday, June 19, 2020.
Andre M. Boyd | The Salt Lake Tribune
| June 19, 2024, 12:00 pm
As the nation prepares to once again commemorate Juneteenth, America finds itself at a critical juncture, with a series of issues that must be resolved and come to terms.
Rising prices have Americans feeling anxious and uncertain about what the future holds, and the stage is being set to see whether we, the people, can come together across party lines in the midst of a global crisis to find stability and a path forward to a safe place where our Republic can still thrive.
America has faced many challenges throughout our history, including the national holiday we celebrate today: Juneteenth. To overcome these challenges, we must find ways to unite across our divides.
On this day, America’s second Independence Day, we must remember the sacrifices and complex decisions made to end slavery on that warm day, June 19, 1865, when the last shackles and chains were removed from African American bodies after years of servitude.
In my previous commentary on Juneteenth, I have written extensively about the history of how far we have come as a nation to overcome slavery and the brutal Civil War that followed. Moving forward into the future, it is vital that we as African-Americans begin to build a greater foundation for our nation and our children.
I am saddened to see many states, including here in Utah, passing bills that would limit diversity efforts in schools. Learning and understanding our own history, and the history of others, brings a sense of honor and pride and helps us know how to solve the problems facing our communities and nation. Juneteenth and Black Americans' fight for freedom and justice is American history and should be honored by all to gain a deeper understanding of America's entire history.
Understanding our history is essential to healing the soul of our nation. Local and federal leaders must seriously consider whether they want the United States of America to survive.
Americans are desperate for leadership that will move the country forward in these difficult and challenging times. The upcoming presidential election will be a determining factor in whether we remain united as one nation under God or divided into four factions.
My prayer is that we will find a way to unite across political, racial and ethnic lines to protect this republic for generations to come.
We should never take for granted this land that so many great men and women sacrificed themselves to build.
I read that Utah was ranked number one in the Union on many metrics, including finances, health care, quality of life and education. Utah's leaders are working together to ensure a quality of life that our citizens can be proud of. In many ways, we are a remarkable example for other states, and Washington, DC, should take notice.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us remember how far we have come as a nation and not let division destroy our sacred purpose in history. We have faced great challenges in the past, but I am confident we can find the will and the courage to make America a truly shining light among the nations of the world.
Pastor Andre Miguel Boyd
Pastor Andre M. Boyd is the founder and pastor of Tuvia Christian Ministries. He and his wife, Leona (Sunshine) Boyd, are also members of the Fellowship of Prophetic Churches and Ministries based in Northern Virginia. Their son Jordan serves in the United States Air Force and the family resides in Farmington, Utah.
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