Day 314 of 365 days.
For the last several years, I have promised myself that I would celebrate Juneteenth by doing something special. Or at the very least making an entry in my blog. But I always forget to. I’ve been completely neglecting my blog in favor of writing things here, so this year, I made a note to myself on like the 1st or 2nd of this month to dedicate my 365 pic to it on the 19th. And of course I forgot again.
Steph reminded me of it earlier today (in regards to a news story about a guy being killed in Texas during a Juneteenth celebration), and then I told my mom and we were both like "oh crap, I forgot again." But as my mom pointed out, the whole point of Juneteenth is being late, so we figured we might as well both do our 365 shots that way today (hers is here).
Anyway, about the shot. The base idea of Juneteenth is that back on September 22, 1862, Abraham Lincoln announces that the civil war is over and that all slaves would be freemen effective the 1st of the year (you know, you can’t just end 200 years of slavery and oppression, you have to ween people off of it. Give Masa a chance for a few last beatings and rapes… and you know, the harvest was coming).
Two and a half years later, Union Soldiers by led by General Gordon Granger rode into to Texas and were surprised to find that, goshdarnit, there were still slaves there. Apparently "news hadn’t gotten that far." Of course, I’ve always felt that news had gotten that far and Whitey just decided that since the nigros couldn’t read, maybe if no one said anything out loud they’d never catch on. Anyway, on that day, the slaves were "freed" in Texas. Of course, General Granger advised them to continue doing the same work they were doing, living in the same houses they were living in and proceed exactly the same, you know… except now they would be getting paid (slaves wages). And thus slavery died and the ghetto was born.
I commemorate this joyous day by symbolically breaking free of my chains.
Yay! I’m free… And yet still poor… No 40 acres… No mule… hmmm… Can a nigga get a table dance?
Also used for Class With Dave assignment: Low Key.
Thank you very much for the "history" lesson. Sort of reminded me of Fractured Fairy Tales segment on Rocky & Bullwinkle. I know, I know, NOBODY is old enough to remember that crap but me!
The photograph however, is wonderful. Fantastic symbolism with the broken chains! Excellent work! It makes me feel pretty crappy about my offering… but I DID put out the offering – I guess that’s what matters!
I’m rich, biatch!
@lrayholly: of course I remember fractured fairy tales. I’m a huge fan of fractured fairy tales. Aesop and Son too. But really, I didn’t change any details. I just kinda told it how it is. In my voice. And I’m glad you liked the shot. Hey, at least yours was happy.
@MegaBee: you buy that baby, cash?
This is one of if not THE best goddamn photo you’ve ever done. Colors, processing, composition, symbolism, everything. Fucking flawless.
@Jack Scoresby: you think? Thanks. I just see the problems with it. You know how it is… Especially since its an SP.
Fantastic shot!
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Seen in Take a class with Dave & Dave (?)
@Cayusa: thank you.
Very intense shot there. I love both yours and your mother’s photos for today, the symbolism is very different in both. Yours very dark, intense and emotional, very nice.
@adayinthelife: I do like that we had very different takes on it. I’m glad you like them both. Thank you for the comment.
WOW. Very very good. Good work here, Mav.
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Seen in my contacts’ photos. (?)
@lalalaa Dolce Vita: thank you. This is another one of those where I’m kinda proud of it, yet see a problem or two, yet will be disappointed if I don’t make explore. But thank you.
Very awesome.. 5-stars from meeeeeee. (Yes, that does matter! Honest..)
@Like a Whale That Swims Through the Thames: I hope it matters. Thank you.
I didn’t forget this year for the first time and (is this how you make a link?)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mllamoreux/070615Texas_DSC2043Fbs2
– just record shots, not like your art.
the thing that I liked about the Juneteenth parade was the feeling of community sharing, even with me, the only visible white face, and my camera (but, yes, in the ghetto of our small town) So I came away with the question, can you have both? Community sharing and more prosperity? Or do we have to choose?
@Photos by Lynn: that link wasn’t right by I found the pic you were talking about. Thank you. And I like to think we can have both. I hope anyway.
wow, Chris, this is an amazing shot. Very emotional and the words you wrote to go with it, are moving.
@briemarie: thank you. I’m glad people "get it"
So powerful and provocative an image about such a stain on history and humanity.
Thank you for creating and sharing this image – and text.
@SaylaMarz: you’re welcome. Thank you for the comment.
I like how the chains are still there yet not binding.
btw, table dance, priceless!
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Seen next to a fellow photo of Take a class with Dave & Dave. (?)
@robherr: thank you. I was very proud of this one. Its a shame it didn’t get more views. And yeah, that line is a lyric form an old 2 Live Crew song.
OMG…that description was so awesome! The photo to go with it is really good too, it’s actually quite powerful. We’ll talk about the table dance later! 😉
Mav,
Posted you to reddit, go check it out and vote yourself up.
@PhotoKat: thanx, Kat… and you do know I’ll take you up on that, right?
@Tojosan: Hmmm… I don’t know that its going to increase my traffic or anything, but thanks.
Well….YEAH!
@PhotoKat: *sigh*
Powerful image and an important history lesson.
I’ve been reading old New York times articles from the 1850’s, 60’s and 70’s. Reading through the civil war period and Abraham lincoln. It made me appreciate my own freedoms and the progress we’ve made as a society since then.
It’s hard to imagine a time when the evils of slavery existed. It blows my mind.
Also a time when a woman had absolutely no rights and couldn’t even vote.
We’ve come a long way, baby.
Amazing picture. Thank you for this.
@clarity25: I actually don’t find it that hard to imagine at all. I guess you’re just more optimistic than me. 🙂 Thank you for the compliments.
Another very powerful image. Excellent job, Chris
@pi c’s: looks yummy. Thanks.
@FadderUri: thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
@d.rex: thanx, Dave
Trying to catch up with you a bit…this is so powerful. Fantastic photo, Mav.
And I’m rooting for you to get on Millionaire!! 🙂
@sadandbeautiful (Sarah): I’m rooting for me too. And thank you.
Great Shot! Please join us at:
I Think this is Art !
@Jack Scoresby: Posted. Thank you.
I Think this is Art ! AWARD
@cirox: Thank you.
I Think this is Art ! AWARD
@sabby3000: Thanks
mav you are one of the few people on flickr that i really enjoy reading your entries. you have such a way with words. write a book.
something i came across today that gave me chills and made yell "amen". it’s true i’m totally white but there’s a really cool black chick inside me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq2kJ56hSqo
@jessie doncaster: I’ve been trying to finish a novel for a long long time. I never quite get there. I have published a short story though. Somewhere in my head I feel like maybe I could publish my 365 when I’m done. We’ll see how it goes.
I’ll have to watch that video later. I’m at my art show now (manning the refreshment table) and there’s a band playing so I can’t hear it.
You can unflag all the ones of you shirtless. They are not offensive in any way.
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Seen in your FC-overreact set. (?)
@Sick Little Monkey: i think I may take the chance with this one just because I love it so much. I mean, it was in Explore for God’s sake. So it’s now marked safe. Lets see if I get banned again.
Definitely well created and the history to describe it I love it…great work!
@Soul4lyRel: thank you.
dis nig got somtin up, brefreez will change all dat, KNO DAT
(brefreeeeeeeeez BABIIIIII KNO DAT
@runescapegeek12: uh… yeah…
Personally, I did not KNO DAT… is that like brainfreeze?
@Sick Little Monkey: i guess we got educated…
very interesting
great job
♥ maryclare
@maryclare.walter: thank you
Very intense, powerful image. Beautiful x
Hi I love the picture. I have just created an article on
http://www.festivalpig.com
about Juneteenth here
http://www.festivalpig.com/Juneteenth.html
Would it be possible to use your picture for my article ?
Thanks & Peace,
C
Hi, I’m an admin for a group called Tattoo Gallery, and we’d love to have this added to the group!
Elle est vraiment magnifique cette photo… et chargée d’histoire !!!
Un grand Bravo