Juneteenth — Tracing our racist roots for root solutions

In Suriname, we call this holiday Keti Koti. Cutting of the chains.

It has been celebrated since the abolition of slavery on July 1, 1863, but has been a national holiday since 1960.

I think it’s important to imagine what life could have been like for you and others if this day had been a national US holiday for 60 years. What would it mean to be surrounded by statues, symbols and monuments that celebrate this big day of freedom — instead of still arguing over confederate symbols, flags, names of leaders, and…