It’s hard to celebrate a holiday that is rooted in a false narrative of peace and harmony between colonizers and Indigenous people when the reality is one of genocide and oppression. It’s hard to ignore the pain and suffering that our ancestors caused in the name of progress and civilization. It’s hard to sit around the table with family and friends, pretending that everything is okay when so much is still broken in our society.
But maybe that’s the point of Thanksgiving now- to acknowledge the pain and the loss, the guilt and the shame, and to still find reasons to be grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to speak out, to educate, to learn, to grow. Grateful for the chance to make things right, to heal, to reconcile. Grateful for the resilience of Indigenous people and their allies, who continue to fight for justice and equality.
So this Thanksgiving, as we gather around the table, let’s not forget the real history of this holiday. Let’s not forget the voices that have been silenced, the stories that have been erased. Let’s not forget that we still have work to do, to create a more just and equitable society for all. And let’s be grateful for the opportunity to make things right, to honor the past, and to build a better future for generations to come.
Happy Thanksgiving.
The contemporary Abolitionists continue to advocate for justice for all Americans, while the modern Confederates persist in their efforts to prevent equal rights for all individuals from becoming a reality.
During a visit to the Lincoln Memorial on our way to Reagan International Airport, we reflected on the Gettysburg Address inscribed on the wall. The juxtaposition of our nation’s shameful history, rooted in white supremacy, Indigenous genocide, colonization, and slavery, with the aspirational vision of equality for all, evoked a sense of cognitive dissonance.
As a nation, we are constantly challenging the boundaries of the foundational principle that all individuals are created equal. The ongoing struggle to establish a society where individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, beliefs, and backgrounds are truly equal underscores the complexities of our national identity.
Dr. Paul Farmer’s poignant statement, “The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world,” resonates deeply with us. The historical injustices committed in the name of entitlement and supremacy, from the displacement of Native Americans to the enslavement of Africans, are stark reminders of the systemic inequalities that persist today.
The persistent belief held by some that certain groups of people are inherently inferior and unworthy of equal rights poses a threat to the democratic principles of our nation. As we navigate the complexities of our heritage and identities, we grapple with feelings of shame, loss, and the challenge of bridging divides within our own families.
Amidst the emotional turmoil, we find solace in coming together with loved ones to celebrate and share a meal. In the midst of familial differences and societal discord, we strive to cultivate empathy, understanding, and connection, even in the face of adversity.
As we navigate the tumultuous currents of our world, we extend wishes for love, grace, and acceptance to all. May each individual find moments of joy, reflection, and authenticity, embracing the full spectrum of emotions without the need for pretense.