POST FALLS: Holiday change confirms racism

Let me get this straight: Juneteenth, which celebrates human dignity, freedom and doing what’s right is being de-recognized so we can celebrate a white guy who got lost, who never reached the Americas (let alone North America), who killed and enslaved the peaceful indigenous people who were already living where he landed and had been for 1,000 of years?

Texas has been recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth as a holiday since 1980. On June 19, 1865, slaves in Texas were notified they were free, even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863. The United States took a stand, and though imperfect, it was the start of acknowledging that slavery was wrong. It was one of the right things this country has done, and Juneteenth celebrates the right thing. 

This is a confirmation that North Idaho is as racist as its Butler-era reputation.

GERI HAGLER
Coeur d’Alene