Black DC Comics heroes are taking a stand (and kneeling) in acknowledgment of Juneteeth. In an incredible piece of art by Denys Cowan (Power Man and Iron Fist), Don Hudson, and Chris Sotomayor, DC's most memorable Black characters come together, with some kneeling, some raising fists, to celebrate the 155th anniversary of the emancipation of African Americans of slavery in the United States.
On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Texas with news war was over and that Black slaves were free. Initially celebrated in Texas, Juneteenth has become a celebration across the United States, and with a renewed focus on race relations in the U.S. following Black Lives Matter protests, the day has been even more prominently featured and remembered than it previously has in recent memory. DC Comics has released a powerful image by Cowan reminding comic book fans about the history of back superheroes, as well.
DC Comics released the image of the DC heroes uniting together with the caption "listen, reflect, and learn." Behind them, the names of their ranks are pasted to make up the stripes of the American Flag.
The image features a bevy of heroes, including Black Lightning, Nubia, Steel, Icon, Static Shock, two Green Lanterns in Sojourner Mullein and John Stewart, and Cyborg. The heroes can be seen kneeling together in protest of racial injustice in the United States, flanked by two of the most recognizable Black heroes for Justice League comic fans, Jefferson Pierce and Vic Stone.
Understandably, the social media post has triggered a new wave of fans voicing their hope that DC Comics will reflect on this image, and start wondering how they can use these heroes in much bigger roles. Of the characters on the front of the book, only Sojourner Mullein has her own solo series. John Stewart, Cyborg, and Black Lightning are all part of team books, and Nubia will star in a YA graphic novel, but there's no reason DC Comics can't start putting its money where it's mouth is, and give some beloved characters their own solo books by Black creators.
Who wouldn't want to read a book starring Static Shock or Steel? Regardless, it's great to see DC Comics acknowledge Juneteenth with this incredible art by Cowan, Hudson, and Sotomayor. It's a spectacular piece and hopefully, it leads to comic fans taking a closer look at Juneteenth and makes them understand why the date is so important in American history.