The NFL is paying attention: The United States, and the entire world, are currently seeing a lot of protests. Those protests are against police brutality and racial injustices (among other things).

With all of this going on, major companies, celebrities, sports leagues and athletes are sort of under a microscope at the moment. Are they going to be leaders in the community and stand in unity against racial injustices? Or are they going to remain quiet.

It seems most are trying to be allies and fight. And the NFL is doing it’s part so far, to be fair.

On Friday, they took another step in that direction. A pretty big one too. According to Adam Schefter, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the league will recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.

Okay, this is 100% the right move and kudos to the NFL for taking this step. If we are being honest though, Juneteenth should be a holiday already recognized by leagues and much more recognized in public by everyone.

For those that do not know, “Juneteenth” is on the 19th of June. It is in memory of the day June 19, 1865 – which was the day that the last slaves were emancipated in the United States.

It is a day that we should reflect on and remember our terrible past as a Nation. Because if we try to pretend like bad things in the past never happened, how are we to learn from them?

At the same time though, it is a good time to be happy and remember that we can make positive changes as a Nation.

Goodell makes a point to reference everything that is going on today. And how the current landscape of society served as a reminder of just how important our history is.

The NFL recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday is a serious step in the right direction. One that tells us they are ready to make a positive mark on society today.

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