Juneteenth began in 1865 as a celebration created by Black Americans in Texas to commemorate the day they learned that they had been emancipated and had become American citizens. Since then, the celebration has been embraced by Black Americans in every corner of the country, and in 2021 Juneteenth became a national holiday. Proposing the holiday was an easy win for Democrats, an idea so palatable at the time that even the majority of Republicans could get behind it. But what once seemed like a good start for Black Americans already feels like more of the same. This Juneteenth provides the perfect opportunity for Democrats to reflect on their longstanding relationship with the Black voters who consistently support them.
In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, pent-up feelings of frustration spilled out onto the streets and led to weeks of protest. As the 2020 election approached, it was clear that Black Americans were eager for change, and they expected the Democratic candidates they voted into office to address their most pressing issues in an immediate and unflinching way. Of the many issues that Black voters expected Democrats to address early on, the creation of a national Juneteenth holiday was not a high priority. The holiday now stands among the more noteworthy achievements that the Democrats have made on behalf of Black voters since Joe Biden's election to the White House. Before they return to the campaign trail to ask for their votes again, Biden and the Democrats would be wise to move on the material interests of Black Americans finally.
