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.
