Liberation to Empowerment: Honoring the Resilience Behind Freedom
Freedom wasn’t the end, it was the beginning
Freedom means something different to everyone, but have you ever taken a moment to ask what it means to you? For many, freedom isn't just a feeling, it's the power to choose your path, to reclaim your worth, and to build a future on your own terms. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, stands as a powerful reminder that freedom delayed is injustice, and that liberation is an ongoing pursuit.
Let's take a moment to reflect on our own journeys, acknowledging the freedoms we’ve gained, showing gratitude for the struggles, we’ve overcome, and recognizing the liberation we’re still striving for.
Liberation as the First Step: Past to Present
Historically, liberation meant legal emancipation, most notably for enslaved Americans, when liberation meant the end of legal bondage, the right to no longer be owned, and the beginning of a long, unfinished road toward equality.
The parallels between past and present are striking. Then, people were freed on paper but denied access to land, wealth, safety, and rights. Now, many are released from prisons but locked out of opportunity. The structures may look different, but the struggle remains.
That’s why it’s essential to understand that freedom without empowerment is incomplete. True liberation means more than being unshackled; it means being equipped to thrive. Without access, support, and equity, freedom can feel hollow. This is where organizations like Labyrinth Made Goods step in, to empower; and help restore through liberating opportunities.
Road to Empowerment
YWCA McLean County exemplifies this ongoing commitment to liberation. Since its inception in 1908, the organization has been at the forefront of advocating for women's rights and racial justice. From providing early support for working women to leading civil rights initiatives, YWCA McLean County has consistently addressed systemic barriers.
YWCA McLean County has launched programs like Labyrinth House and Labyrinth Made Goods offering transitional housing, mentorship, professional development and employment services to women who have experienced incarceration. These efforts reflect a deep understanding that freedom without empowerment is incomplete. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized women, the organization continues to honor the legacy of resilience and resistance against systemic injustice.
YWCA McLean County and Labyrinth Made Goods shows us that resilience is more than survival; it’s a form of creative strength. It’s the power to not only endure injustice, but to transform it into opportunity, community, and change.
Honoring the Past while continuing to Build the Future
Freedom is not only the feeling of being released from jail, the first chance to smell fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun, or embrace a loved one after so long. It’s deeper than that. To some of the women at Labyrinth Made Goods, freedom is not having to constantly look over their shoulders, wondering if a simple action might be seen as a violation in the eyes of the justice system. Freedom is reaching the next milestone in recovery, whether that takes one day or 5 yrs. It’s walking down the street in a town where they carry a conviction, and knowing no one is judging them for it. Freedom is applying for any job they dream of, without fear of being dismissed because of their past. It’s building a life grounded in peace, stability, and reassurance that they don’t have to turn to crime just to survive and provide. Because true freedom isn’t just released, it’s the opportunity to thrive, and at Labyrinth Made Goods, that’s exactly why we believe in providing those real opportunities.
It’s important to remember that Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it’s a reminder that freedom has never come easy, and it has never come at all. Reflecting on liberation honors the resilience of those who fought for it, acknowledges the work still left to do, and invites us to stand in solidarity with those who continue to seek it today, in whatever way that is. It reminds us that real freedom goes beyond being unbound, it means having access to opportunity, the dignity of self-worth, and the freedom to decide your own future. So, when you think about Juneteenth, when you think about freedom, ask yourself what does freedom means to you?
Labyrinth Made Goods and campaigns such as Fully Free, the Decarceration Fellowship, and End Permanent Punishment Coalition is more than advocacy; it’s about continuing the legacy of Juneteenth. Many still face modern barriers to full freedom, especially those impacted by the criminal legal system. Women who have experienced incarceration, like those empowered by Labyrinth Made Goods, often face systemic obstacles long after release: limited job opportunities, housing discrimination, and social stigma. These initiatives work to dismantle those barriers by pushing for policy change, restorative justice, and real chances. Supporting them honors the spirit of Juneteenth, not just by remembering history, but by actively working toward a future where freedom is truly accessible to all.
Call To Action
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Reflection Question: What does true freedom mean to you today?
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Move from awareness to action and support Re-entry Campaigns.
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Supporting Labyrinth Made Goods and purchasing a Liberation Candle this month, you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing in hope, honoring strength, and taking responsibility for building a future where freedom means opportunity for all. Let your support be a light that guides someone else’s path to liberation.
