In a deeply moving address, Reverend Gloria White-Hammond, a respected figure from Tufts University and co-pastor of Bethel AME Church, delivered a powerful message on Juneteenth, a day of profound significance. Her words, originally spoken at Tufts’ Day of Reflection, Commitment, and Action, resonate far beyond the university setting, offering invaluable insights for families and individuals alike as we navigate the complex journey of life and social responsibility. This exploration of her speech aims to amplify its vital message, focusing on the crucial keyword: “A Road Now Traveled,” and its relevance to our personal and collective paths forward.
Reverend White-Hammond began by invoking the iconic song of resilience and hope, “We Shall Overcome.” This anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, she noted, transcended social barriers, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a shared aspiration for justice. She poignantly recalled singing it on the historic night of Barack Obama’s election, a moment many believed signaled a new era. Yet, as she recounted singing it again after the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, the painful truth emerged: the journey toward racial justice remains “a road now traveled,” far from complete.
This stark reality underscores the necessity of Juneteenth, a day commemorating the delayed emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas. It is, as Reverend White-Hammond emphasized, a fitting occasion for reflection, commitment, and action towards racial justice. While the context of her speech was a virtual gathering due to the pandemic, she expressed gratitude for the technology bridging distances, allowing for a personal connection with each listener in their own space. This sense of personal connection is key, as she asserted that the arduous path to racial justice begins within each individual.
Reflecting on personal responsibility, Reverend White-Hammond challenged her audience – and by extension, us – to examine our own roles in perpetuating injustice. Referencing the parallel incidents of George Floyd and Amy Cooper on May 25, 2020, she posed a critical question: “Where is the Amy Cooper in me?” This introspection calls for a deep and honest assessment of our biases – our “isms” – that surface when we feel threatened or challenged. Identifying these biases and seeking accountability from our communities is the first step on “a road now traveled” towards genuine change. This journey of self-reflection is ongoing, a continuous process of counting down our years while actively confronting our ingrained prejudices.
Her personal commitment to justice was vividly illustrated through her decade-long advocacy against modern-day slavery in Sudan and South Sudan. Invited to witness this horrific reality firsthand, she initially grappled with fear and inadequacy. Sharing a particularly harrowing encounter with a young boy brutally disfigured by a former master, she revealed her moment of profound doubt, questioning her capacity for such demanding work. This “kitchen table experience,” echoing Martin Luther King Jr.’s moments of decision, highlights the internal battles we face when choosing “a road now traveled”—the challenging path of conviction over the well-trodden path of ease.
Alt: Mrs. Williams stands courageously in court, embodying resilience in the face of racial injustice.
Reverend White-Hammond drew strength from the historical “cloud of witnesses”—those who endured slavery and fought for freedom. She pondered the slave narratives, marveling at their resilience and their vision for a future where justice prevailed. These ancestors, she suggested, were not just fighting for themselves but for generations to come, for us. This realization became a watershed moment, solidifying her commitment to “a road now traveled,” recognizing that progress demands perseverance through fear and doubt. The journey of social justice is rarely a straightforward path; it is marked by kitchen-table moments where we must choose between comfort and conviction.
Action, the third pillar of her message, was powerfully exemplified through the story of Brian Stevenson and Mrs. Williams. This anecdote, taken from Stevenson’s work with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), recounts the case of Walter, a Black man wrongly convicted. Mrs. Williams, a respected elder in her community, bravely volunteered to represent her church in court. However, upon encountering a German shepherd at the courthouse entrance, she was overcome by fear, a visceral reminder of the dogs used against civil rights activists in Selma and Birmingham. This initial retreat highlighted the deeply ingrained trauma and the real “dogs”—both literal and metaphorical—that obstruct “a road now traveled.”
Yet, Mrs. Williams’ story is not one of defeat but of profound courage. After a night of prayer and reflection, she returned to the courthouse, declaring with unwavering resolve, “I’m here, and I ain’t afraid of no dog.” This powerful act of defiance resonated deeply, signifying a commitment to overcome fear and stand firm in the pursuit of justice. Reverend White-Hammond emphasized that on “a road now traveled,” we too will encounter “dogs”—obstacles from the past, present, and even those we create ourselves. The key is to find our inner Mrs. Williams, to confront our fears and declare, “I’m here, and I ain’t afraid of no dog,” committing to concrete action.
Alt: Reverend White-Hammond passionately delivers her Juneteenth address at Tufts University, advocating for racial justice.
This action, she stressed, must be tangible and measurable. More than just policy statements or eloquent speeches, we need sustainable objectives that signify real change in addressing racial injustice. Drawing upon Martin Luther King Jr.’s urgent words from Where Do We Go From Here?, she reiterated that “tomorrow is today,” emphasizing the “fierce urgency of now.” Procrastination, King warned, steals time and leaves us with lost opportunities and regrets. It is too late for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Trayvon Martin, but it is not too late for us to act now.
Reverend White-Hammond concluded with a powerful call to action, urging us to embrace the spirit of the freedom songs sung by enslaved people on Juneteenth 1865 in Galveston, Texas. “Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around,” she quoted, encouraging persistent progress on “a road now traveled”—the “freedom trail.” This journey demands faith and action in our personal lives, homes, communities, and institutions. It calls for active participation in shaping a just society, from casting votes to advocating for change in every sphere of influence.
The message of Reverend White-Hammond is a timeless and crucial guide for families and individuals navigating the complexities of the 21st century. “A road now traveled” is not just about addressing racial injustice; it is a metaphor for any journey that demands courage, reflection, commitment, and action. As we strive to create a better world for ourselves and future generations, let us heed her call, confront our “dogs,” and continue walking—and traveling—on the path of justice and understanding, together.
This Juneteenth message serves as a powerful reminder that the journey towards a more equitable society, like any meaningful family journey, requires conscious effort, ongoing reflection, and unwavering commitment to action. It is a call to embark on “a road now traveled,” not with trepidation, but with hope, resilience, and a shared determination to overcome obstacles and build a better future for all.
