Juneteenth is a wonderful day of celebration, reflection, and community building that everyone can be a part of this summer and every year. If you don't know, Juneteenth marks the day, June 19, 1865, that all slaves were granted their freedom in our country. The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 but the news didn't reach the last slave holding state of Texas until 1865. Galveston, Texas was the first city to commemorate this day! Also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day, this summer holiday is a time to look back on the past so that we can all imagine a brighter future for us all.
Need some ideas for celebrating the holiday? Look no further. Here are 5 ways everyone can participate in the celebration of Juneteenth this month!
1. Rejoice with your community. The world is opening up, post-COVID and people are ready to get back together (safely, of course). Check out eventbrite or ask around to find out what community events are scheduled for Juneteenth. Look for festivals, restaurant events, prayer circles, drum circles and other community events rejoicing in the spirit of the day!
2. Support Black-owned businesses. You don’t even have to leave your house for this one! Support your favorite Black brands or companies this holiday, and help to build wealth in the Black community. The Legacy Collection from Flows Grand is one way to support a Black Owned business. This collection includes: Black Lives Matter is Not a Political Statement paired with Black Obsidian, Melanin Mornings paired with Clear Quartz, and Their Wildest Dreams paired with Tumbled Emerald. Each candle in this collection tells a story that is uniquely steeped in the history of Black people.
3. Visit an African American cultural site or museum. What better way to reflect on the history of Juneteenth than visiting a history museum or monument? Find a museum or cultural site near you to immerse yourself in Black history. Check out this list of 15 Must See Black History Museums Across the Country
4. Practice self-care. Juneteenth is a day of joy, so it’s an excellent day to recharge, reset, and give your bodies what they need. Relax with a Flows Grand Relaxation Gift Box, take a soothing bath, journal, meditate, or whatever you need to take care of yourself.
5. Read and watch Black books and movies. Brush up on your pop culture or read books by some contemporary voices like Colten Whitehead, Jacqueline Woodson, Isabel Wilkerson, and others. This is also a good time to check out anti-racist books and lean into ways we can create a better future, together.
Juneteenth is a wonderful time for people and communities to come together, Now that you’ve learned what the holiday is and found new ways to spend the day, how will you celebrate this year?
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