Happy Juneteenth!
This weekend is Juneteenth, set aside to commemorate slavery and celebrate its abolition.
Up to our altars, then,
Haste we, and summon
Courage and loveliness,
Manhood and woman!
Deep let our pledges be:
Freedom for ever!
Truce with oppression,
Never, oh! never!
By our own birthright-gift
Granted of Heaven—
Freedom for heart and lip,
Be the pledge given!
If we have whispered truth,
Whisper no longer;
Speak as the tempest does,
Sterner and stronger;
Still be the tones of truth
Louder and firmer,
Startling the haughty South
With the deep murmur:
God and our charter’s right,
Freedom for ever!
Truce with oppression,
Never, oh! never!