National Team members reflect on the importance of Juneteenth

Today is Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which took effect on January 1st, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, the confederate states kept people enslaved until 1865.
On June 19, 1865, two months after the official end of the Civil War, Union forces occupied Galveston, Texas. Union general Gordon Granger announced the emancipation of all remaining slaves.
The 13th amendment to the Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865 abolishing all slavery.
Below, some of our U.S. National Team members give their thoughts on the significance of Juneteenth:

Kelsey Campbell

57 kg Women’s Freestyle National Team Member
“The quote that comes to mind is from Claudette Colvin, ‘I knew then and I know now, when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it.’ It's hard to really put into words what the day means. To be honest, I doubt I exist without it. As a mixed woman, I know from my own life, Juneteenth truly opened the doors to a long, exhausting and worthy journey. The social climate we all live in today can feel exhausting, but when I think of heroes like Claudette Colvin, I know that none of this is in vain. My liberties, as a women of color, exist off the backs of so many before me. Juneteenth is a reminder to be more involved locally, to use my platform globally, and to stretch myself, and to continue to fight the good fight.”

Kyven Gadson

97 kg Men’s Freestyle National Team Member
“Juneteenth signifies an abundance of things in my opinion. It sheds light on current and past systematic injustices, as well as freedom. While also shedding light on while being physically free are you mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and economically free? For me it serves as a reminder that our history in the USA isn't pretty and we have work to do on every level. We must listen to understand and push forward to grow and change as both can be uncomfortable. Be RARE.”

Precious Bell

76 kg Women’s Freestyle National Team Member
June 19, 1865 is a day where my people were free from slavery. Free to live as humans but still shackled.
In 1870 African Americans were allowed the right to vote.
The Fair Housing Act became law on April 11, 1968. It prevented housing discrimination based on race, sex, national origin and religion.
So roughly 52 years, my people and other races have been free to live the American dreams as equals. As much pain as it has brought to my ancestors, I am the light to their darkness. I get to represent a country that has their sweat, blood, and tears embedded in the earth of this country.
I am strong, talented, and fearless because of their blood that runs through my veins.
From the natural ability and genetics, I am their artwork. I get to stand with USA on my chest because that’s what they fought for, alongside allies of all races.
I know when I get to heaven, I get to see their smiling faces because I lived their dream to love freely and fight alongside with my country.
Black Lives Matter.
My Life Matters.
We have to learn about each other's history and struggles rather than feeling the guilt or other feelings we might feel.
I will raise my children to love everyone including the ones that might discriminate against them because of the people that have helped me along the way.
Racism is not just pointed at one race.
Your silence is acceptance.
Your negative comments or put downs are a sign of not being open minded and not growing a new perspective.
I tattooed "Believe" big on my chest to remind me of when I was down in the dirt, at a point where I had nothing, so every day I can be reminded of that statistic I don’t want to be.
I have this saying “My God loves ALL, so I love unconditionally”
I can’t wait to tell my story one day.

Alex Glaude

68 kg Women's Freestyle National Team member
Juneteenth means SO much to me. It is a reminder of the plight of my ancestors who built this country. Growing up, so much of our history was kept from us and the rightful appreciation of Black people was not given. Juneteenth symbolizes the actual and true freedom of American citizens and should be treated as Independence day. There is so much opportunity and freedom that has been afforded to me because of my Black ancestors, and I am so appreciative of that. Today, I am able to represent my country on my singlet because of them. Today, I have a voice because of them. Today, I live because of them. Juneteenth is a reminder to me as a Black woman, to take pride in who I am and the history before me. The fight is not over and there is still so much change that needs to be done but acknowledging Juneteenth is certainly a step in the right direction.

Gable Steveson

125 kg Men’s Freestyle National Team Member
“Juneteenth is a special day for us, a day that symbolized freedom and change. As we continue to fight for change, I’m very happy to see people of every color step up for something like this and [what] it means like for all of us to see.”