“Celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans,” NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace shares a special message on Juneteenth

Bubba Wallace calls people to move forward with love and compassion.

“Celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans,” NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace shares a special message on Juneteenth

Bubba Wallace (Image via Essentially Sports)

Bubba Wallace has become one of the distinguished drivers since his NASCAR debut in 2012. The journey started as a development driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in Xfinity Series. He is now the man behind the wheels for the No:23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing in Cup Series. However, one cannot conclude that it was a smooth journey for the sport’s most successful African American driver. 

Bubba Wallace faced many challenges as the only black driver in the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite his issues, he continued to talk and spread messages about equality, compassion, and love. Wallace shared a heartfelt message for Juneteenth on his social media platforms. It is an annual celebration of ending slavery in the U.S.A., which became a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden. 

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Bubba Wallace shared two images on Juneteenth with an emotional message. He tweeted , “Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the US. The right of freedom is given to millions of people who’d go on to change this world for the better. All are welcome into this sport regardless of race, gender, religion, sexuality, age, or disability. It begins with a simple conversation.”

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Bubba Wallace has taken a stand against racism on multiple occasions

Bubba Wallace in 2020 ( Getty Images)
Bubba Wallace in 2020 ( Getty Images)

Wallace added, “I invite you to move forward with compassion, love, and understanding.” The 29-year-old encourages diversity in the sport. Wallace is the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race since Wendall Scott in 1963.

Many were happy to witness his accomplishment. The 23XI Racing driver broke down after his first win in 2021 and used the platform to motivate kids. He asked them to stay true to their path and stay strong and humble. Wallace also confessed that there were plenty of times he wanted to give up.

Last year Bubba Wallace spoke about celebrating the freedom of race on Juneteenth. He said the fingerprints of black Americans are found in all fields, sports, music, food, education, and art. Over the years, Wallace has become the face of diversity in NASCAR. He has taken various stands against racism. 

Wallace stood up for George Floyd in 2020 and created awareness. Before a race in Atlanta, Wallace wore a shirt that read, “I can’t breathe. Black Lives Matter” with an American flag face mask.  He played a crucial role in removing the Confederate flag from NASCAR races. (It represents slavery and promotes the message that all men are not equal). Thanks to Wallace’s activism, the organization decided to ban the Confederate flag at NASCAR events. 

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