On Juneteenth, we celebrate the end of slavery and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. But that freedom granted to all enslaved people in 1865 was short-lived. In a video message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton recalls the stark differences experienced by White American soldiers, like her father, and African American soldiers after World War II.
“Like my father, after the war, the Tuskegee Airmen came home to start families and build a life,” she said. “However, despite their sacrifices, despite wearing the same uniform and flying the same missions, they were denied the benefits of the GI Bill because they were African American. This is white supremacy. “
