06/25/2024
The Juneteenth Celebrations, Parties & Parades Are Over, Now What?
Hello Rochester, this is Nurse Bowick,
It’s Primary Day and just six days past Juneteeth, a national holiday signed into law by President Biden that honors the day in 1865 that slaves in Texas were made aware, they had been freed two years prior. The 2024 Juneteenth celebrations, parties and parades are over, now what?
In 1960, civil rights leader Whitney Young had a now what! He asked then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy for a Black Astronaut in exchange for the Black Vote. Whitney delivered, and John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the nation's 35th president on January 20, 1961. However, the Black Man slated to become the nation’s first Black Astronaut Ed Dwight, didn’t make it to space until May 19, 2024, sixty-three years later.
Folks, do we have another 63 years for elected officials to come through on campaign promises? Do we have to wait another 63 years for reparations, to achieve better education, access to health care, affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, quality drinking water, fair and equitable pay in the workplace and justice for all in court rooms.
Before you cast your ballot, ask yourself does this candidate care about my now what, my children, my life, my neighborhood, my aging parents, my health? How long will I have to wait for him or her to come through on their campaign promises? Answer those questions and vote accordingly. From the station that cares about the community 103.9 WDKX.
Theresa Lou Bowick BSN, RN
