Tennessee’s Democrats on Sunday suggested in a tweet that some Americans are not free.

“On this Juneteenth, we commemorate the last group of enslaved Black people in Texas who learned that they were freed – two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Our fight is not done until all of us are free,” The Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP) said on Twitter.

Juneteenth, America’s newest federal holiday, was Sunday. It is being observed Monday.

It marks the emancipation of African American slaves.

The Tennessee Star reached out to the TNDP to ask who is not free or treated equally under the law in America today, but the party did not return a comment request.

Juneteenth celebrations took center stage across the state over the weekend.

One of those celebrations was in North Nashville, and hosted by a group called “The Equity Alliance.”

“We’re back with another Juneteenth block party like you’ve never seen before! Get ready to turn up at this year’s Black on Buchanan Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 12pm-9pm centered along the historic Buchanan Street in North Nashville. Programming will take place from 2-6pm,” according to that group’s website.”Black on Buchanan is a celebration of Black joy, excellence, freedom and our fight for Black liberation.”

“We’re taking over Buchanan Street with fun for the whole family, live music and performances, food vendors, kids corner, small business and community resource vendor village and so much more,” the group said. “The Black on Buchanan small business Vendor Village powered by The Nashville Black Market.”

The relatively new holiday was also celebrated online by those from all political parties.

“Today is about coming together and honoring those before us who reached for progress, who helped build this country with their bare hands, who marched, fought, and protested – who did everything they could so that we might have a voice and a vote,” former first lady Michelle Obama said.

“On #Juneteenth, we commemorate the historic moment when the long awaited order reading ‘All Slaves are Free’ ushered in Emancipation for all and we honor the memory of the millions of African Americans who suffered the evils of slavery,” former Vice President Mike Pence (R) said. 

Even the Libertarian Party shared its thoughts on the holiday.

#Juneteenth is the best reminder that the state is the nemesis of self ownership. Even after slave emancipation, it has continued to subjugate individuals through the income tax, conscription, and enormous debt. We celebrate the liberated, and continue to oppose the tyrants!” that party said. 

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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Juneteenth” by USAG- Humphreys. CC BY 2.0.