EDISON – Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery, has been a federal holiday since 2021.
But in the era of Donald Trump some holidays are less equal than others.
This brings us to Middlesex County where this year’s Juneteenth celebration has been moved from its original spot on federal land to a municipal park.
This because of fear the event may run afoul of the administration’s antipathy to diversity.
The event, which is sponsored by the Metuchen Edison Piscataway Area Branch of the NAACP, had been scheduled for the Edison Job Corps Center on Plainfield Avenue. Job Corps is a federal program dating back to Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society that offers job and academic training for urban youth.
Reggie Johnson, president of the local NAACP, said Job Corps officials told him they were worried a Juneteenth program on their property would risk condemnation or punitive action by the Trump Administration. Job Corps is part of the Labor Department.
Johnson admitted in a phone chat to being “upset” at the news, but said the event will be held instead at Papaianni Park on June 14, a Saturday. The holiday’s official date is June 19.
Fears of upsetting the Trump Administration by celebrating the end of slavery seems an apt description of the times.
However, there are some caveats here.
One is that there was no apparent threat from the administration, just fears that one may have come.
Also, the event is not being cancelled. It’s being moved to another part of town.
Those apparent subtleties didn’t sway the local congressman, Frank Pallone.
In a release about the episode, he said:
“Who could blame organizations that depend on federal funding for trying to avoid the wrath of a spiteful Trump administration that sees diversity and inclusion, not as cornerstones of our democracy, but as threats to be eliminated? This is the same administration that tried to erase Jackie Robinson’s triumphs and downplay the heroism of the Navajo Code Talkers. Trump and his cronies have proven themselves to be small, fragile people – unwilling to embrace the full story of America, including the emancipation of enslaved people that we honor on Juneteenth.”
Pallone added that the Trump Administration is seeking to “erase truth” and rewrite history.
Inequality in Holiday Recognition: An Analysis by Insider NJ
In today’s diverse and multicultural society, the recognition and celebration of holidays can be a sensitive topic. While many holidays are widely acknowledged and celebrated, there are others that are often overlooked or marginalized. This disparity in holiday recognition can perpetuate feelings of exclusion and inequality among certain groups.
Insider NJ recently conducted an analysis of holiday recognition in New Jersey, focusing on the level of acknowledgment and celebration of various holidays across different communities. The findings revealed a clear pattern of inequality in holiday recognition, with certain holidays receiving significantly more attention and resources than others.
One of the key findings of the analysis was the disproportionate recognition of Christian holidays compared to holidays from other religious traditions. Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving were found to be widely celebrated and acknowledged in public spaces, schools, and workplaces, while holidays such as Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, and Hanukkah were often overlooked or given minimal recognition.
This disparity in holiday recognition can have real-world consequences for individuals from marginalized communities. Feeling that their holidays are not valued or respected can lead to feelings of alienation and exclusion. It can also contribute to a sense of cultural erasure, as the traditions and practices of certain communities are not given the same level of visibility and importance as those of others.
In order to address this inequality in holiday recognition, Insider NJ recommends that organizations and institutions take proactive steps to ensure that all holidays are acknowledged and celebrated in a meaningful way. This can include incorporating diverse holiday celebrations into workplace events, educational curricula, and public programming. It is also important for individuals to educate themselves about the significance of different holidays and to show respect for the traditions and beliefs of others.
By promoting inclusivity and diversity in holiday recognition, we can create a more equitable and welcoming society for all. It is essential that we recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions and cultures that make up our communities, and strive to ensure that no holiday is left behind.
