How to Celebrate Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth everyone!

Today marks a day that freed black people out of slavery. 

If you're unaware of this holiday, here’s a quick history lesson:

• In 1776, slavery still existed when the Declarations of Independence was signed (4th of July).
• June 19, 1865, was the date and year of the ending of slavery in the U.S. 
• It took another 2 years for slaves to be freed after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Bill.
• Juneteenth has not yet been declared as a federal holiday but is celebrated greatly in the black community.
• Want to celebrate? This is a great opportunity to celebrate black culture.
• And lastly, when you know better, you do better. I’m not celebrating the 4th of July ever. Thee End.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth?

• Support black-owned businesses
• Learn the history
• Check on your black friends
• Black People Takeoff (even if your company doesn't celebrate this day)

If you were wondering what to wear on Juneteenth, here are 3 things you can wear.

1. Incorporate the Pan- African Flag colors in your wardrobe.

The colors are red, black, and green. If you're not sure what they represent, check out this article that speaks greatly of the history of the Pan- African Flag colors.

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/06/14/532667081/on-flag-day-remembering-the-red-black-and-green

2. Create or support a black-owned business who sells Juneteenth shirts.

The shirt I'm wearing is from Crowned Creatives 

If you need inspiration, use Pinterest as a guide.

3. Keep it simple and have fun.

Don't overthink this, its a celebration, its the summer so grab your favorite shorts or skirt and have fun styling and celebrating the black culture. 

With everything going on, God has me on a style of looking into my roots and understanding my history as black women. With all the chaos, I am truly grateful for God of awakening my spirit man to know that there is so much more that needs to learn about myself and happy to be on this journey of discovery. Black Lives Matters, I suggest if you're black that God awakens your mind to know that you're better then your now. Oppression isn't just physical its mental as well.

Take care of yourself, understand your history, and I hope you're encouraged.

3 Activities for a 1 Year Old

I don't know about you guys but Lil man and I are tired of this apartment. Alright Rona, its time for you to get evicted lol. I will say as much as I would like to see what the future holds, I can't lie and say I'm loving seeing my baby boy grow right before my eyes. Like literally, he's growing by the minute. But while we're here I had to come up with a few ideas to entertain, develop, and teach my little one during this time. These are 3 activities I tried for my 1-year-old. All these items were brought from the Dollar Tree I might add.

1. Ice Painting

• Location: Outdoors
• Time frame: 35 minutes 
• Items: ice cubes, bowl, brushes, paint, add a painting apron if you'll like.

This activity was fun for us both but please make sure you monitor them because if your baby is under 1, He will try and eat the paint.

2. Playdoh Magnets and Sticks

• Location: In or outdoors
• Time frame: 25 to 30 minutes max
• Items: Playdoh of choice, ABC magnets, and popsicle sticks

Lil man liked this during his 1 hour TV time and it kept him occupied

3. Magnet Fun

• Location: Inside
• Time Frame: 1-hour max
• Items: Cookie sheet and magnets

This activity I must say was my son's favorite until he begins to heat the ducks and tried clamping his finger.

All these activities help with your child's motor and developmental skills. They're simple to do, fun, and the thing is you have the majority of these items in your home. With my baby only being 19 months his short attention span only last for the time frame given, throughout the day I have incorporated a full curriculum for him. 

Please note: This is not a mandate, it's just a plan. Do not be hard on yourself or your kid. I know my baby is continually going through a growth spur. Some days he loves activities and other days he doesn't want to play. So test these out, let me know if you've tried them out and whats your favorite activity. More activity to come.

Corona Virus Home Hacks

Hi guys, with all the craziness going on God but it on my heart to help others out there if you're having trouble finding goods for your home during this pandemic. Ive always been a DIY queen so these things are some things I do on the regular throughout life. I hope this helps someone out there. I am praying for the families of all those affected by the virus and praying for a full recovery for each family. Be encouraged. My Blog: https://www.authenticallyz.com My Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Connect with Zak! Instagram: @authenicallyZ For Business with branding and product reviews ONLY, please contact me at: styleguruzak@gmail.com Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video.