Alveda King: Juneteenth celebrates our shared creation in God’s image.

Alveda King: Juneteenth Celebrations Should Focus on the American Dream

Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King, Jr., believes that Juneteenth celebrations should shift their focus from race to the “American dream.” Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865.

“Juneteenth, it’s more of a spiritual kind of an impact and it brings balance into what is happening in America through the years. Juneteenth also, although it is celebratory, gives us a little hint of jubilee, of healing, of coming together,”

King expressed her thoughts during an interview with Fox & Friends First. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the individuals throughout American history who fought for abolition and believed in the American dream. King highlighted the significance of celebrating freedom and the unity it brings.

“We remember that there are people throughout America’s history who are abolitionists, who believe in the American dream and want all of us to remember that we are created in the image and likeness of God, and that we are equal, so celebrating that freedom.”

King also acknowledged the upcoming July Fourth holiday and reflected on the resilience of the nation during challenging times.

“In a few days we are going to do July Fourth, as well. So we just remember that there have been terrible times in our nation, but there are times that America has come together as well.”

Highlighting her uncle’s dream of unifying people, King urged everyone to focus on the aspects that unite us as brothers and sisters.

“My uncle Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said he had a dream and it is rooted in the American dream. So all those things that divide us will not help us. I would say on Juneteenth, let’s remember the things that do unite us, bring us together as brothers and sisters,”

King emphasized the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and moving beyond divisions based on skin color and other issues.

“We are one blood, one human race, we are not separate races, not divided by skin color and other issues. So, if we can remember that, we can begin to come together and be healing.”

Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2022, with Texas being the first state to recognize it as a holiday in 1980.

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