A Freedom Celebration Maximizing

Your Juneteenth Celebration

African Americans have a fascinating history filled with trials and triumphs. What began as a heartbreaking story of families being displaced and forced in over 200 years of enslavement changed to a story of overcoming adversities. June 19, 1865 was the beginning of an actual change in the United States, where African Americans saw what victory looked like.

It is often taught that the enslavement of African Americans ended after Congress passed Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 31st, 1865. However, following the proclamation, all enslaved African Americans were not instantly free, only requiring states under the confederacy to free them.

The road to freedom began two years before the proclamation was signed. On January 1st, 1863, President Lincoln issued and preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issuing the freedom of slaves in the United States. The 13th amendment was then passed by the United States Senate and House of Representatives, resulting in the abolishment of slavery in April 1865. With many African Americans now free of slavery and involuntary servitude, people in Galveston, Texas, were still under the impression that they would never be free.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Juneteenth (June Nineteenth), or Freedom Day, celebrates true freedom from slavery for all the enslaved people in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Since then, many African Americans in the south have used this day to celebrate freedom, becoming the longest-running African American holiday.

Though people were unaware of Juneteenth, its history slowly became known to many African Americans. The advocacy for the day to be recognized by the United States government began, resulting in President Joesph Biden officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021.

As the holiday becomes a new tradition in African American households, there are many ways to celebrate freedom. It is essential to know that while you celebrate and have fun, remember the significance of this day and how we can progress moving forward. Here are a few ways you can make the most out of Juneteenth.

There will always be power in supporting businesses of minority communities because each dollar spent contributes to entrepreneurial opportunities and success. During the Jim Crow era, Black Americans faced overt discrimination, such as redlining and job discrimination, that prevented economic growth in the black community. To achieve that idea of the American dream, Black Americans can create wealth in their communities, thus opening up job opportunities, property ownership, and generational wealth. As of February 2022, NBC News reported over Three million black-owned businesses in the United States.

With the abundance of black-owned businesses in the United States, a local company will likely want your support. From clothing shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and much more, a black-owned business is expected for your every need. There is also a plethora of online companies that are easier to access.

Visit The National Museum Of African American History & Culture

Suppose you find yourself in the Washington, D.C., area this summer, head to the most breathtaking exhibits you will ever see. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is an 85-foot tall structure full of artifacts and historical facts related to African Americans’ lengthy and often untold history. After decades of effort to highlight the contributions of African Americans, the museum finally opened its doors to the world in September 2016.

Since then, the museum has had more than seven million guests and over 20 million virtual visitors to its website. To visit, you must receive a free time pass via their website so they can adequately regulate guests. The museum is open every day of the week. However, it may have a fixed schedule during Juneteenth; therefore, reference the website before your visit. While you’re there, stop by the Sweet Home Café to taste delicious African American cuisine made by Thompson Hospitality.

Host A Cookout With Family And Friends

There’s no better way to spend Freedom Day than with your family and friends. Cookouts are widely known in the black community for providing a safe space for everyone. With the stress of the world and the ongoing discrimination, black people need to come together to celebrate one another. At your gathering, make sure that everyone is having a good time. To ensure that the playlist incorporates some old-school and current music. Ask what people want to hear and add them to the curated playlist. Lastly, make sure the food is ready promptly. If you expect people to bring various dishes, ensure they arrive on time.

Donate To Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits are pivotal because they encourage people to get directly involved in their community. Many organizations highlight issues that a community is dealing with. Black nonprofit organizations have played an essential role in the black community, being the catalyst for change. Organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People are one of the largest nonprofits that have been at the forefront of changes in the country to end racial inequality. Since its founding, there have been many nonprofits creating highlighting specific issues on the black community, such as Black Lives Matter, combating the violence inflicted on the community, Black Girls Vote, which helps mobilize black women and their families to get involved in the political process, and Million Hoodies who aims to put an end to mass incarceration.