Letter to the editor: Juneteenth brings mixed emotions

As I sit here 25 minutes before our newest federal holiday, I’m filled with mixed emotions: Proud of the progress we’ve made; and shameful of the regression I’m witnessing.

So I felt the need to dip into my treasure chest and pull out one of my most treasured mementoes: a copy of The Canton Repository dated Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008. The headline reads "United States elects first Black president."

By no means does it represent equality, but following 143 years of struggle post Juneteenth, it confirms that we won’t give up until we secure our rightful place in society.

Dwight Parrish, Massillon

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Letter to the editor: Juneteenth brings mixed emotions