Las Vegas DSA stands in solidarity with Black Americans in celebration of Juneteenth

Press Statement for Immediate Release

Las Vegas DSA stands in solidarity with Black Americans in celebration of Juneteenth this Friday, June 19. Juneteenth is a day that honors Black freedom and Black resistance, and centers Black people’s unique contribution to the struggle for justice in the U.S. We encourage members of our chapter to participate in Juneteenth events happening in the Las Vegas Valley throughout the weekend.

However, we are disappointed that we cannot endorse or support the Juneteenth Family Reunion, hosted by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Organizers have chosen to use the hashtag “#AllLivesMatter” in association with the event. “All Lives Matter” is used to counter “Black Lives Matter,” and is used by people criticizing or attempting to invalidate the efforts of the Black Lives Matter movement. Black people continue to be the victims of government violence and oppression, and their struggle must be specifically acknowledged and empowered. We also cannot lend legitimacy to events used as a stop on the campaign trail for politicians who refuse to show their support for Black communities on the legislative floor.

Instead, Las Vegas DSA recommends the following local Juneteenth event:

Juneteenth: Rally & March For Justice

June 19 @ 4pm → view details

Along with these virtual events for those who cannot attend in-person actions:

The Fire This Time: We Can’t Breathe

hosted by DSA AfroSocialist and Socialists of Color Caucus
June 19 @ 4pm → view details

Sixteen Thousand Dollars: Screening & Discussion

hosted by DSA AfroSocialist and Socialists of Color Caucus
June 21 @ 12pm → view details

As accomplices in the struggle, we must be thoughtful in the ways we express support for our Black comrades. Events that are draped in the language of the oppressor give the people serving us in government political cover while they co-opt an important movement. Our attendance becomes an implicit endorsement of their equivocating stance about the value of Black lives.

Additional Resources

What is Juneteenth?
Why Juneteenth Should Be a National Holiday (Video)
Activists Are Pushing to Make Juneteenth a National Holiday. Here’s the History Behind Their Fight
Six Nineteen
8 to Abolition
Protesting: Know Your Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities
Abolitionist Policy Changes to Demand from Your City Officials
LVDSA Abolish/Defund Police Resource List

Want to get involved?

Join DSA today → dsausa.org/join

Inquiries

For inquiries, please contact lasvegasdsa@gmail.com