Celebrating Black Culture: 5 Lit Ways To Enjoy Juneteenth
Celebrating the Fourth of July might be the last thing on your mind with all that's going on in the world, but we do have a historical moment to celebrate in American history: Juneteenth. It falls on June 19 and is a day not only to celebrate the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, but to honor our contribution to American culture and advancement. Some companies are even making it a paid holiday and we're definitely here for it.
Whether you're self-isolating and limiting group outings, or living your best life out and about, here are a few ideas for fun things to do---and great ways to support black-owned brands at the same time---for a lit Juneteenth:
Solo Celebration: Indoor or Patio Barbecue
If you're still feeling a bit apprehensive about any type of group activities, I'm with you sis. Fire up the grill anyway or put that oven broiler to work. Cop a few sparklers and streamers and hit up a few vendors for fab party decor on Etsy. Find menu inspiration via cookbooks including The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty or Jubilee by Tony Tipton-Martin.
Make a nice sangria with a wine bundle from the McBride Sisters or a few grown-and-sexy cocktails with HH Bespoke Spirits. Put on that holiday cookout mix from Spotify, and wear that printed romper you would've worn to that cancelled street festival.
Social Distance Soiree: An Outdoor Movie Party
This is a good way to get people together while promoting social distancing. Invite a small group (no more than 10-20), supply masks, rent a projector (or even invest in an affordable one like this or this ) and make a station for hand-washing and sanitizing. Place the seating strategically apart to accommodate interaction but discourage crowd-gathering.
Stream films like Miracle at St. Anna (a Spike Lee joint set during World War II), Glory (an Oscar-winning Civil War classic starring Denzel Washington), Hidden Figures (about black female NASA phenoms) or Barry (a Netflix film about the early life of former President Barack Obama). Not into history films?
Bring out the oldies but goodies set in summer like Crooklyn,The Inkwell, Independence Day, or Girls Trip.
Holiday Staycation: Friends Sleepover Edition
So your state has reopened its businesses and you feel comfy going outside---just not in a super-public space with strangers you don't know. Try renting a suite at a local or nearby hotel with a pool and create your own Juneteenth slumber party with a few besties or your immediate family. (You can start with this great list of black-owned bed-and-breakfast spots.) Or go with a local Airbnb that has a private pool. (Hosts are even offering "quarantine retreats" or "social distancing spaces" for people who want a break from their usual surroundings.) Wear fun PJs, tune in to a live DJ set on IG or streaming radio, and get creative with the snacks and drinks.
Remember, hotels have safety and sanitation guidelines they must adhere to. You can always bring your own wipes and disinfectant sprays, and continue practicing social distancing where mandated.
Airbnb even has updated its guidelines and best practices for hosts. If you're still a bit apprehensive about the cleanliness of a property where you'd like to stay, message the host, ask lots of questions, and look for listings that have flexible cancellation policies.
Interactive Game Party
I know, I know. Some of us have had enough of virtual events. But it might be nice to step things up a bit and have giveaways, care packages with wine glasses, snacks, and drinks sent to attendees beforehand. You can also set up breakout rooms where people can hear different types of music being played and mingle separately. (I attended an awards event that included these elements and it made participating that much more fun.)
Add games to the mix like University of Dope, Black Card Revoked, or One Gotta Go, and have everyone contribute to a Cash App or Paypal prize for the winners of each round. You could even do virtual karaoke and dance contests where everyone gets a chance to participate.
Share videos from past trips or parties and anecdotes about those memories. Make your party truly interactive where the guests feel like they're not even missing out on the in-person aspect of the usual holiday festivities.
We Outside: Rooftop Party
If you're OK with getting your party on and all the social distancing restrictions for gatherings have been lifted in your state, by all means, do you. This is a great option for those who live in smaller apartment buildings or brownstones where rooftop access is allowed, or for those who'd rather party with familiar faces in slightly larger crowds.
If you don't already live in a cool spot with roof access, try a platform like Peerspace or Splacer to find a cool space. Put a little money in the pockets of black lounge and bar owners and rent their rooftop or smaller cabana spaces.
(Here's a good place to start.) I still recommend a sanitation station for all entering guests (stocked with antibacterial soap, a wash basin, bottled water, and hand sanitizer at least)---and you might even want to throw in a few masks for those who still choose to wear them. Charge a fee or monetary gift for entry and then donate the proceeds to a great organization that supports creatives, entrepreneurs or activists of color.
Whatever you choose, be sure to remember what Juneteenth is all about: Remembering the magic that is us and empowering ourselves to continue to survive and thrive.
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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According To TikTok, This Wellness Concoction Is The Cheat Code To Getting That 'Slip N Slide'
Being a woman is no easy feat. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here – I do! But, it’s not for the faint of heart. And, by faint of heart, I mean men.
Here’s the short list of things we navigate (in no particular order) that make me know God is, in fact, a woman: menstruation, men (good, bad, and ugly), motherhood, and maintaining the motherfucking magic in our relationships. We hold shit down. We get shit done.
There’s simply no denying that, at our best, women are godly! We’re also imaginative, crafty, and intuitive when we allow ourselves to be. We listen to and know our bodies like no other. Though, with Western medicine and generally being displaced from our roots, I think many of us have become out of touch with what’s natural to us and for us. However, I believe we’re attempting to return to what feels right–what feels natural.
TikTok has made it a bit easier as we’ve been able to hear first-person accounts of natural remedies such as okra water and its benefits for all things womanly, and then some. You’ve seen what I’m talking about–all the hype around okra water providing additional vaginal lubrication for women and also, its ability to make for easier labor for expecting mothers.
@charleanleonora We unlocking new levels of self care. Don’t sleep on this stuff and get my e-book! 🤎 #plantbased #naturalremedy #okrawater #womenhygiene
Benefits of Drinking Okra Water
@goldennn_xo6 I hope this helps 💕 #naturalbirth #homebirth #okrawater #okraforpregnancy #naturallaboranddelivery #fypシ #fyp #thefindguru
Between its believed contributions to digestive health and blood sugar control, drinking okra water has a lot going for itself in terms of possible health benefits. One of its most sought-after benefits is the helping hand it lends to those laboring children. Though there isn't a lot of science to support these claims, there’s lots of talk about how okra water can assist with the birthing process, with labor said to be easier through reduced pain, and the added lubrication is thought to help the baby "slide out" during the actual birth.
The believed increase in vaginal lubrication that the concoction is said to create is believed to be another benefit of regularly consuming okra water. Let me add there have been women warning against just how much additional lubrication (Smuckers, gushy-gushy, that wet-wet) it can cause. And, I would say heed this warning if you are someone who feels embarrassed by maybe the idea of squirting and excessive wetness.
The bulk of the knowledge around these particular health benefits is anecdotal, and while there does seem to be other health benefits, we can’t be certain of which ones and the quantity of nutrients being infused into the water in this form.
How To Make Okra Water
@maryamjhampton Replying to @RH How I make Okra Water! #okrawater #healthtips #womenshealth
Making okra water is a rather straightforward process. The simplest way is taking okra pods (frozen or fresh but preferably organic) and putting them in an encapsulated bottle with water to soak for up to 24 hours. Once you’ve made it, rest assured it will have a very thick and slimy texture–this is where it gets subjective. I could try it and tell you my experience, but I’ve seen some people say the flavor isn’t that bad while others say that they can’t handle the texture.
But, once you’ve made the okra water, feel free to mix it in with drinks like lemonade or a complimentary tea. And, as a pro tip, you can even add mint to infuse with your water to further enhance the taste. Though, I’m thinking when people are trying to enhance the taste it’s the texture they’re trying to distract from as many people seem to think the flavor is manageable–texture? Not so much.
You can also add okra water to smoothies, or make popsicles from it – the sky’s the limit when you’re an okra pod.
I know there’s this natural urge to be distrustful of things that haven’t been proven by…well…Western medicine. Though the research is not there in that regard, it seems to be common knowledge and a useful remedy amongst the African community.
I want to point out that our ancestors disseminated and passed along information for generations anecdotally. They shared their first-hand accounts of what worked and what didn’t work. So now, here I am, sharing the stories of others because this is how we get the recipes back! I do encourage everyone to do their due diligence when going the holistic route.
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