10 Jun How to Celebrate Juneteenth? Support Black-Owned Businesses (Plus 8 Other Ways)
Juneteenth is one of the most important days in American history. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Emancipation Day, it’s a day to honor and celebrate liberation.
It was this day on June 19, 1865 that African Americans became free from slavery. It happened two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
And because of its significance, President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday last year, a few days before Happy Juneteenth 2021.
Here’s How to Celebrate Juneteenth
How is Juneteenth celebrated today? This June, we celebrate Black culture, history, and life to honor those who fought for the rights we have today.
It’s also a great day to support black causes and commemorate freedom through a host of activities.
A barbecue is always a good idea to celebrate Juneteenth. But arguably, the best way to celebrate Juneteenth is by buying products from Black-owned businesses.
1. Support Black-Owned Businesses
Whether it’s Juneteenth or a regular day, try to shop at Black-owned businesses. It means you’re helping the Black community become more empowered.
Maybe, you want a regular budget upgrade to your home decor. Or maybe, you’re throwing a Juneteenth party this year… And want to buy a party banner for Juneteenth decorations. Either way, try buying from a Black mom-and-pop or Esty shop.
Here are 8 more ways to celebrate Juneteenth:
2. Visit Community Events
It’s also a great time of listening and learning. You can go out in the community and visit the Black community to listen to their stories.
Try to educate yourself. A little curiosity will teach you about the history of slavery and how it’s built ongoing systemic oppression still happening today. Talk to your peers about how you can add more diversity and inclusion into what you do.
No doubt it’s the mark to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. But it has become a special day for African Americans to celebrate their freedom, culture, and achievements.
The day shouldn’t be treated like a normal day. It should be considered an opportunity to educate the community on what it’s like to be Black.
What troubles they have to face when climbing the ladder of society that others don’t face. And when we all recognize the plight of being Black in America, we can empower and celebrate African Americans in a better way!
3. Have an Outdoor Cookout or Barbeque
Maybe, you don’t have any events in your area. Then, host your own backyard party and invite family and friends over.
After all, gathering at home will symbolize the true spirit of Juneteenth independence because it’s always been around community and bringing people together.
And don’t forget to fire up the grill. I know it’s a bit cliché. But there’s no backyard party without a nice barbecue.
Take it up a notch with some fun games!
4. Cook Some Traditional Foods
I mentioned barbecue up there. Beef is the go-to option. But you can also try lamb instead of beef.
If you want to try something more different, make traditional dishes associated with the holiday. A few options are red velvet cake, collard greens, New Orleans-style red beans and rice, and fried fish.
If you’re not feeling like cooking, you can always order from a Black-owned restaurant!
5. Vibe with Your Favorite Black Artists
Nothing says celebration like music, music, and more music!
Also, did you know that June is Black Music Month? Celebrate it by making a playlist that highlights your favorite black artists.
It doesn’t matter what genre you’re into. Just vibe with something from past and present African American artists this Juneteenth holiday.
For inspiration, you can browse Spotify: It has plenty of playlists like Black Lives Matter, Black Girl Magic, and The Black Power Mixtape.
6. Participate in a Local Juneteenth Celebration
Find a Juneteenth festival in your neighborhood. Find rodeos, parades, and street fairs in your area. Juneteenth social media groups can help you with that.
Maybe, you love hotdogs. Well, treat yourself with one because you can find plenty of vendors on the street. There’ll be many artists performaning on the street as well. Enjoy them!
7. Read Books Written by Black Authors and Poets
How to celebrate Juneteenth? Download a couple of books by Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Ralph Ellison. And have a Black History readathon.
Here’s one of my favorite Maya Angelou’s quotes:
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
See the power of Black authors? Also, the names I’ve mentioned above are just a few. There are plenty of iconic Black authors and poets. Explore them, and they will help you brush up on your history and dive into a new world.
For buying these books, check out your local Black-owned bookstore. It’ll be a fun activity and a great way to celebrate Juneteenth as a Family
8. Watch Black TV Shows and Movies
I know you might not be into watching The Fresh Prince of Bel Air after that Will Smith/Chris Rock controvery. But rest assured that there are plenty of other great Black TV shows and movies.
I’d suggest you go with the ones that shed a light on this historical holiday. Shows like Atlanta are a good choice because they have Juneteenth-centered episodes. Or you can watch Miss Juneteenth (a fictional look at the holiday’s pageants).
But aside from learning more about Juneteenth, you can watch other content that showcase Black joy and culture in a positive light. Think YouTube videos!
9. Donate to Supportive Organizations
Find organizations that support Black communities. These organizations are changing Black Lives in many ways: Organizing protests, supporting criminal justice for Black individuals, and promoting issues that uphold racial equality are to name a few.
If you’ve decided to donate, The American Civil Liberties Union, the Audre Lorde Project, the Bail Project, and the Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund are a few organizations to consider.
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