Pierce County Executive, Bruce Dammeier announcement.
My name is Lyle Quasim. I have lived in Pierce County since 1967. I worked for Pierce County as the Chief of Staff for the Pierce County Executive from 2001-2009. I appreciate the opportunity to be this week’s guest blogger providing my comments about Juneteenth.
On June 19, 1865, the enslavement of Black African Americans officially ended in Galveston, Texas, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
In recognition of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the official end of slavery, Juneteenth became a holiday established by the Federal Government, the State of Washington and Pierce County in 2021. Juneteenth commemorates the end of the enslavement of Black African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth is also referred to as Emancipation Day and Juneteenth Independence Day. The name Juneteenth references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
Juneteenth also commemorates the struggle by Black African Americans against enslavement and is a celebration of a declaration of freedom. Despite the official end of enslavement, structural, institutional and personal racism has prevented diversity, equity, inclusion and justice to be the reality of Black African American life. Therefore, every effort to acknowledge the inhumanity of slavery and build narratives that affirm the changes that must occur to achieve a truly inclusive America are progressive steps in the correct direction.
As members of the Pierce County community, we have the opportunity to engage in concrete practices on this national, state and county day of recognition. Let’s take this day to begin or continue conversations about Juneteenth, research our county history about race, look for Juneteenth events to attend, engage your faith and civic organizations about ways to explore diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, or take an hour to begin reflections with your family and/or those persons closest to you.
To help make our communities places of introspection, tolerance and places that respect the dignity of all who reside here: “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have, as long as you can.”
Lyle Quasim is a revered and respected leader in the Black African American community. Among his many areas of service in the County, Lyle was a member of the 2020 Census Core Complete Count Committee, and the CARES Act Recovery Steering Committee.
This well-thought piece reminds me that, even in modern times, slavery (along with discrimination and racism) continues to exist in most countries and across cultures. While there can never be a dispute or refutal to the existence of slavery in our country and its long-lasting impact, it should be noted that, before the arrival of European empires, most Asian and African empires engaged in said horrific practice, often embracing it as a sign of wealth accumulation.
I am so proud that this important holiday is finally being celebrated. I had never heard of it until last year and it hurts me that this was not taught in our schools when I and my children were growing up. I have learned so much in the last few years on the struggles of people in their own country and that is a travesty! I hope that we can all see our countries errors of the past and right them. Education is the key. Thank you for this article and for all you do for our community.
Lyle Quasim,
While you may not remember me, you and I have crossed paths several times during my 62 years in Pierce County, Washington.
Based on the essence of who you are, your past and present community involvement(s), your accomplishments, and your attitude(s) about life, I have always held you in high regard.
I wish to thank you for your descriptiion of Juneteenth. While I have never owned a slave, I am white. I appreciate, support, and like the back story on regarding Juneteenth.
Joseph Boyle – Former Pierce County Resident 62 Years
Dear Lyle Quasim – Thank you for this explanation of the commemoration of this important day in the history of America. It is important to take this day to act, reflect and consider the change that needs to happen in this country to make reparations for the past cruelty that still reverberates in so many ways in our society. America stands for freedom and the pursuit of happiness. It hasn’t lived up to this reputation. We are in a time of change. How will we show up? How will we change the course of history? This commemoration acts as a reminder that we will never go back to treating others as “less than.” I will use my white privilege as an ally for my black neighbors and others who deserve to be listened to and counted. As our world changes, we are going to need each other in many ways.
Though never recognized as a slave, I have lived a life of total servitude on a farm, working in the extreme elements of heat and cold, for little more than food, shelter, and clothing.
How many living today in America can say this?
Near dead-broke, during the farm crisis of the early 80s, I escaped via the US Army as a Private E1.
My ancestor, from which my name comes, emigrated from Germany in 1861 for the same reason.
He was 16 years of age and penniless.
He was immediately cast into the Union Army, and fought the entirety of the US Civil War, to include Sherman’s brutal campaign.
While it is estimated than over 600,000 lost their lives in that war, he survived, hence I am here.
So many others’ lineage was snuffed out.
He went on to homestead, and
so began a multi-generational farming family.
Until modern times, and still to a degree, a farm is something that that owns you.
If you work for it, it will provide for you.
It is a harsh master that does not care how you are feeling at any given time.
One season, it can take your spirit and stomp it into the dirt.
Another season, it can reward your work and planning very well.
The two seem to balance each other.
As Jesus Christ was sacrificed to the world for the sinful nature of man, those young soldiers spilled a river of blood for the sin of slavery.
Slavery in America was subsequently abolished at the conclusion of the slaughter.
Anyone who continued on with a racist, hateful, lifestyle – well, that’s on them.
If you are the beneficiary of a family that profited from such things – well, that’s on you.
Don’t you dare lay that filth on me, and expect me to share in your shame.
Own it.
That should seem familiar.