64: The Why Behind Trump’s Juneteenth Rally

06/17/20 • 19 min

We had to postpone our pre-scheduled episode on the importance of voting to bring you this critically-timed conversation on President Trump’s decision to return to the campaign trail on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Without knowing the history and significance of both of these things, you might just think, oh well, he’s hoping 300,000 people gather without masks to support his next bid for Presidency - that’s not so smart.

But if you know the history, you realize it is way worse than that.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at [email protected]

What to listen for:

What is the significance of Juneteenth? The freeing of slaves in Texas.
How we were not taught the full truth about President Abraham Lincoln’s motivation for ending slavery.
How the history of the Tulsa Massacre was erased.
And... how President Trump “coincidentally” picked both Juneteenth AND Tulsa as the site of his return to the campaign trail.
Can you think critically about this choice, and what it might mean for propagating hate?

PLUS, support us through Patreon! At that link, you’ll learn about the virtual community we are launching – and you’re welcome to join.

Like what you hear? Don’t miss another episode and subscribe!

Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

But if you know the history, you realize it is way worse than that.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at [email protected]

What to listen for:

What is the significance of Juneteenth? The freeing of slaves in Texas.
How we were not taught the full truth about President Abraham Lincoln’s motivation for ending slavery.
How the history of the Tulsa Massacre was erased.
And... how President Trump “coincidentally” picked both Juneteenth AND Tulsa as the site of his return to the campaign trail.
Can you think critically about this choice, and what it might mean for propagating hate?

PLUS, support us through Patreon! At that link, you’ll learn about the virtual community we are launching – and you’re welcome to join.

Like what you hear? Don’t miss another episode and subscribe!

Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

Previous Episode

63: How To Be An Ally, Even When You Feel Overwhelmed

Right now, during COVID, as #blacklivesmatter has (finally) picked up steam among white people, there is a lot to process – both intellectually and emotionally.

The anti-racism resources that are flooding our social media streams and filling our inboxes are so powerful, so well-intentioned, and helpful. Yet if this is anything like what we’re expecting to happen, soon, what we’re calling White Fatigue might set in for some people out there.

This episode is dedicated to pushing through the discomfort, committing to the fight, and includes a special bonus at the end: an anti-racism breathwork experience from Jenny Peni, to help you process and feel a little more grounded and able to do what you need to do.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at [email protected]

What to listen for:

White fatigue. It’s what we’re calling the effect of the incredible yet overwhelming amount of resources, suggestions, and places to support that are emerging now.
How people in a position of influence can undermine the effort by deflecting. Hear our thoughts on Drew Brees, and why we agree this was never about the flag.
What we might be doing that can help, or hurt, the people we run into in the supermarket.
The difference between an ally and a co-conspirator – and which we want to be.
A few tips and our resources on how to move from “not racist” to being anti-racist, including how to talk to your kids about race.
Want to make this sustainable? Weigh in on whether it would help if we created a weekly calendar of short things to do or read or watch, so you don’t have to weed through the overwhelm all by yourself.

PLUS, support us through Patreon! At that link, you’ll learn about the virtual community we are launching – and you’re welcome to join.

Like what you hear? Don’t miss another episode and subscribe!

Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

Next Episode

65: Why Voting Is An Equity Issue

Dismantling police forces and committing ourselves to education and activism is important for #blacklivesmatter – SO, we can’t lose sight of the critical thing happening in the U.S. in November. The outcome of our presidential election will impact not only us as a country but the dynamics of our world.

You’ll hear that mail-in ballots alone aren’t the answer, but they are part of the solution. Action is not just committing to vote but making sure that everybody has access to the ability to vote. It’s time to start mobilizing now.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at [email protected]

What to listen for:

Why, especially given COVID19, the November elections may be at risk.
Three myths and facts about mail-in ballots.
Organizations to support and things you can do, including:
- Checking out state-by-state status on mail-in ballots,
- Helping people get IDs so they can register to vote,
- Joining When We All Vote to make sure every eligible voter is registered,
- Supporting LaBron James’ new More Than a Vote which aims to take on voter suppression efforts currently aimed at Black voters,
- Using great digital organizing tools as you write letters to voters.

What else can you do?

Call your members of Congress to tell them to support expanded voting options by passing the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020 and to provide more funding for fair and safe elections. Call 202-224-3121.

And tell three friends - those who’ve moved, or who’ve just turned 18, in particular!

PLUS, support us through Patreon! You’ll have the opportunity to join our virtual community, which we’ve just launched.

Like what you hear? Don’t miss another episode and subscribe!

Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.