Know Your History: 5 Ways To Celebrate Juneteenth
America is filled with historical holidays to celebrate everything from the serious and ceremonial to the silly and sentimental. As black people, many of those holidays are painful, bittersweet reminders of our history in this country, but there is one holiday for us that doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves: Juneteenth.
If you don't exactly know what Juneteenth is (don't feel bad, many others don't know either), here is a quick little lesson on why it's so important and should permanently occupy a place on your holiday calendar.
Juneteenth (June 19) is the commemoration of the abolishment announcement of slavery in Texas and the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the southern parts of the U.S. Currently, it is a recognized holiday in 45 of the 50 states. Furthermore, Juneteenth is also celebration of the rich history and culture of African-Americans.
Now that you know what it is, the next thing to do is find out ways you can celebrate this year's Juneteenth in style. Check out our suggestions for fun and memorable ways to celebrate the black experience that is Juneteenth. For more information and celebration ideas, visit Juneteenth.com.
Organize A Block Party
Invite neighborhood residents to attend a block party that not only celebrates Juneteenth, but also encourages community involvement and activism. In addition to having food and entertainment, also feel free to invite local elected officials, community leaders, and guest speakers to attend.
Volunteer In Your Community
Giving back to your community through volunteer service is perhaps the best way to celebrate our ancestors and commemorate Juneteenth. There are endless ways to volunteer, including leading a neighborhood clean-up, raising money for schools in the community, or organizing a donation drive to underprivileged families.
Attend Holiday Celebrations
A quick Google search should provide you with a list of Juneteenth celebrations in your area. This is a great way to get into the holiday if it's your first time and also allows you to make friends in your community. There are parties, performances, exhibits, and more to choose from, so feel free to attend as many as you like.
Educate Others
Spreading the knowledge about a crucial part in our history as African-Americans is one of the best and easiest ways to celebrate Juneteenth. Whether you're educating the youth about Juneteenth's importance or choose to involve everyone, as long as you get the word out, that's all that matters.
Host A Themed Dinner Party
Everyone loves a good dinner party, especially one that surrounds a theme. For your Juneteenth-inspired dinner party, you could serve up a traditional soul food meal and after dinner, go around the table and ask your guests to explain what Juneteenth means to them.
Featured image by Shutterstock
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Danielle Jennings is an Atlanta-based Style Writer/Editor, Tastemaker, Girl About Town, Fashion & Music Obsessed Long-Lost Huxtable Kid who is coming for everything they told her she couldn't have...one article at a time. Twitter: @daniellej416 IG: @prettyaries16
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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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
