A man in Illinois is receiving backlash after a video showed him arguing that White people should work on Juneteenth so they could, in his view, pay reparations to Black people.
Juneteenth is a U.S. federal holiday celebrated on June 19 each year. It commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. The holiday marks the end of slavery in the United States and is observed through community events, educational programs, and celebrations focused on freedom and equality. As a federal holiday, many government offices close, and some employees receive the day off from work.
The man shared the controversial video by first saying, “Happy Juneteenth.” He then moved into the statement that drew backlash online. According to the video, he said that he “better not catch” any White person enjoying the holiday, suggesting that they should not be celebrating or benefiting from the day in the same way he believed Black Americans should. The remark quickly drew attention online and became a focal point of the debate surrounding the video.
He went on to explain his point of view, saying that White people should be working on Juneteenth so they could earn money and pay reparations to Black people. “If I catch a White person enjoying today, I’m on your [expletive]. I better see every White person at work getting to that money so they can pay us our reparations,” he said.
The man then addressed Black people directly, telling them to enjoy the holiday and not go to work. He repeated his earlier message about reparations and stated that Juneteenth was a holiday specifically for Black people. The video quickly went viral after being shared online and sparked widespread debate among viewers about his comments and the broader discussion surrounding Juneteenth.
Viewers Attack Illinois Man for His Opinion on Juneteenth
The video sparked reactions online. Many viewers were left outraged after hearing what the Illinois man said regarding White people and Juneteenth. Some even accused him of making racist remarks. “What a ridiculous & ignorant fool. Juneteenth exists to REMIND them that Lincoln, a Republican Pres Emancipated the slaves Jan 1, 1863. Slave owners (of white & black skin) didn’t want the slaves to know they were free. Federal Troops had to go into TX to do that, in 1865. So this fool celebrates the fact that Democrats & Slave Owners enslaved them longer? Not only is he missing glasses in his glasses; but he’s missing all the cells in his cranium! He’s that guy ~,” one person wrote angrily.
More people criticized the man, with one person writing, “Juneteenth is a holiday created by libs to further divide our nation. If black folks can continue to play the victim because their ancestors were slaves… Then I can play the hero because my ancestors went to war to free their [expletive]. PAID IN FULL. You’re welcome.” Someone else added, “How about he just work and support himself?! He and others don’t deserve a red cent of money from me or anyone else.”
The video sparked a conversation about how Juneteenth is a day off for many workers regardless of race. It also led to broader discussions about how statements involving race and public holidays can become highly controversial and generate strong reactions due to their sensitive and divisive nature.
