As a pink person on this Juneteenth, I find a curiosity in understanding how it is that so much understanding was kept from so many people, from the original sin of slavery to the covering up the news, and then rationalizing these systems that were kept in place, despite the lies of equal rights. How does this shared history of oppressor/oppressed create the norms of today? How do we all break these chains that bind us in what it means to be “an American”? These separations that have kept many in check, to not speak out for others are beginning to crumble. Who knew that the original design of the statue of liberty had broken chains on the wrist and was a gift to commemorate the abolition of slavery? Not I, til today. Regardless of past crimes of many of our forefathers, such as my kkk grandfather in Coos Bay, Oregon, we are here now. We all create our culture and it is sure as hell not based on what our colonizing relatives consider to be normal. Yes dear Portlanders, nobody but ourselves can accept chains on our wrists from now on. We are free! Let’s not forget it!