*Waves* Hello, hello. Happy Juneteenth week, beautiful people! In honor of Juneteenth, I will be sharing four ways to commemorate the day (because America is trifling and chose to blatantly leave Black history out of its history books). 

Now Juneteenth aka Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Jubilee Day is a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of slavery. It is also considered the longest-running Black holiday. (History)

1. Take Time Off Of Work

Juneteenth is commemorated on the anniversary of the ending of slavery on the date of June 19th, 1865. Do you know that Confederate Robert E. Lee surrendered in the Civil War two months earlier but slavery remained in Texas till June 1865?  How trifling is that? History blames the gap in emancipation on Texas being a larger state so allegedly it took time for word to get out that enslaved people were free. *rolls eyes in disgust*

Were folks playing telephone back then? or is it that Texas has always operated as it own country? I’m not surprised that they were the last to surrender in the Civil War. But more importantly, because my ancestors were enslaved for 400+ years + that lil stunt Texas pulled + having to exist in a world where white supremacy is centered. It is important that I choose Black joy every chance that I get so I will be taking this Friday off. 

If you have any time off left in your time bank at work. TAKE TIME OFF and celebrate your freedom and liberation however you please. If not this year, then next. If not a full day, then a few hours. 

2. Put Some Respek On It 

True to America’s brand, I didn't learn about Juneteenth in my formative schooling years. I learned about the holiday in college at the University of Texas (Hook’em!) In fact, In 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday. (History) LOL at the irony.

Learning the importance of Juneteenth deepened my understanding of Black history and the pain my people had to endure in our fight to becoming truly free. Yes, becom-ing, as in a present participle, as in we still aren’t free. But I’ll take this topic up another time. 

This is why I take my own liberation so seriously. Plainly, my ancestors didn't have the privilege of choosing freedom or rest, so to honor them, I do. 

If you don’t do anything this holiday, take some time to learn about Juneteenth and heighten your cultural awareness. Because if we don't learn from history, we are destined to repeat it. 

3. Support A Black Business

Need I say more? If you are hungry. Support a black restaurant or food truck. If your lips are chapped. Buy a lip exfoliant or moisturizing lip balm from a Black beauty brand. Whatever you do, ensure that your coins are spent at a Black business. 

4. Don’t Have a Good Ass Time, Have A Black Ass Time. 

Listen, pursuing Black joy is so freeing. Doing things that restore your spirit, reminds you of your essence, and celebrates the very same melanin that America tries to depreciate is the vibe we are going for this Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of our people. So I encourage you to do something that makes you feel free. This holiday, I will be playing Black Card Revoked while sipping on mimosas with Black people. *tilts head to the side* Okay?? I will be having a Black ass time. 

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Happy Juneteenth People!

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Outfit Details

Brown Sweatshorts

Printed Asymmetrical Top

Red Slingback Fabric Heels

Prosper Mahogany Frames

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xoxo,

Chamique