@baldwincompany

The last 48 hours have been rough. Today, I found myself on the side of the road, exhausted in more ways than one—But thanks to the most beautiful, most needed support from my wife, I got my car moving again and my spirit lifted a little too, despite chaos’ attempt at destroying my day. Then, almost immediately after, I received a simple “Happy Juneteenth” text from one of my current heroes, Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, who’s palpable joy and certainty of love for black folks, black ideas, and black futures really sustains me in more ways than I can count. It may seem small, but some gestures arrive exactly when they are needed. It’s like my cousin from Chicago said when I got that Jerk Bowl from Jerk Yard before I left: Blessssssings. Truthfully, reading Dr. Hunter’s essay, “You Can’t Separate Juneteenth From the Call for Reparations,” has been the only real Juneteenth celebration I’ve had today. My wife and I will move our celebration to the weekend, but before we do, I wanted to share a piece of what brought me peace this afternoon and implore you to go buy his book today and just slide by his page with some love in general! In his timely piece, which I think is so important as we we’ve been trying to decide how we feel, as we watch this nation consider reparations again, for someone else, Marcus writes: “The impacts of America’s history of slavery and racism are many, and so too are possible forms of reparations. Chattel slavery stole people’s families, intellectual creations, land, access to resources, and, for some, spiritual foundations. Many Black communities today still grapple with a lack of housing, adverse health effects stemming from environmental racism, so-called urban renewal that strips their communities of economic opportunities, and the dilution of their power through arbitrary political boundaries. Our generation is charged with closing the gap between admission and repair.” That last line has been sitting with me all day… Happy Juneteenth. May we celebrate, remember, and continue the work. May we also remember our joy and care for one another. His book is waiting for you at BaldwinAndCoBooks.com. Handle that. Asé. @Dr Blackness #BaldwinandCompany #neworleans #NOLA #Juneteenth

On the profile · Jun 20, 2026