Why is Juneteenth so important suddenly?

All of the riots, protests, marches and general speeches about the significance of Juneteenth got me wondering about this obviously important date and event in African-American history. I looked up a couple of old Day Timers and found no reference to Juneteenth. I figured that the history of celebrating this event would easily be uncovered with a simple Google search. I thought that I would at least find stories about a Rose Garden news conference where our African-American President and wife would magnify the importance of this date to the people of color. Nope - no such search result.

Tried to explore the Chicago Tribune archives and came up empty. Did a "this date in history" for 2019 looking for any celebrations or speeches and found one general story without a reference to where it was published. I was sure I would find some reference to a speech by Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton or John Conyers or Nancy Pelosi or Karen Bass, the Chair of the Black Congressional Congress. Nope, no such reference.

Then, why is it that in 2020, the recognition of Juneteenth is so important? I believe that since 2020 is an election year and the media wants President Trump defeated and the Democrats have a weak candidate that the only recourse is to create mayhem, riots, protests and looting to distract the general public from the lack of governing done by the House of Representatives under Nancy Pelosi's leadership.

The media in general appears to be doing whatever they can to oust President Trump. No real discussions as to why Biden would make a good, let alone, great president. I wonder if Juneteenth in 2021 will be as quiet as it was in 2018?

David Goode

Huntley