Happy Juneteenth!
Author: Timothy Sandefur
This weekend is Juneteenth, set aside to commemorate slavery and celebrate its abolition. Click here to find an event near you. The California State Library has put together a nice historical calendar here.
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!