Remembering history must lead to justice
“The commemoration of these days is not so that we celebrate in the sense that we think certain things have just stopped.”
Commemoration of Juneteenth and Ashura must move beyond sentimental remembrance to ethical transformation, self-respect, and active resistance to oppression.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Societies choose what to remember and what to forget
- Juneteenth and Muharram converge as days of remembrance
- Commemoration must be substantive, not sentimental
- Juneteenth exposes the gap between proclaimed and actual freedom
- Black Muslim history and the demand for self-respect
- Closing call: learn history, build hearts, stand for justice
In the khateeb's words
“It is a disservice to me and you more than anyone if we don't understand the historical realities and recognize that the commemoration of these days is not so that we celebrate in the sense that we think certain things have just stopped.”
“You have to respect yourself as a Muslim. And understand that the question that we are wrestling with today is not merely about acceptance from people in positions of power and privilege.”
“Freedom in our tradition is that when somebody is given the dignity, honor, and respect that every human being is supposed to be afforded.”
“Love has to be the catalyst. Find somebody on this day of Jummah that you don't know. And go and introduce yourself. Greet. Learn. Understand. Build at the level of hearts.”
For the dinner table
Today the khateeb reminded us that Juneteenth and the days of Muharram are both about remembrance, remembering people who suffered under slavery and tyranny, and refusing to let their stories be forgotten. He said a day off is not enough if injustice is still happening around us. We learned about Imam Hussain, who chose truth and dignity even when he stood alone, and about enslaved Muslims who helped build this country. The big takeaway is that our faith asks us to turn memory into action: learn the truth, respect ourselves, stand up for others, and build real connections with the people around us. At dinner, we can talk about what one small step each of us can take this week to live that out.
- What's one way we can show dignity to someone who is treated unfairly this week?
- Can you think of a time when standing up for what is right felt hard but important?
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