Junteenth Represents Freedom
/Written By: Rebecca Leandre, Ashley Martin, and Roudjessie Charles
We are only six months into 2020 and we’re currently going through a pandemic, murder hornets, protests, riots, etc. Every day that we step outside in masks, it feels like a movie. But this is our current reality. The injustices endured by black people for 400 years and counting came to a boiling point over the recent tragic public lynching of George Floyd. His death follows Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others existing while black. As a result of such built-up rage, protests unfolded but with a mix of violent officers and opportunists, many peaceful protests quickly turned to riots. The methods may be questionable but policy changes are being made as people rally all over the world.
This year we’ll be canceling July 4th and celebrating Juneteenth, short for June 19th. Juneteenth is the day we symbolize the freedom of Black people in America. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in the south received word from the US Army that they were finally granted freedom under the emancipation proclamation. The emancipation proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863 making all enslaved people free but it wasn’t until 2 years later that all slaves would officially be free.
Juneteenth is a monumental day of celebration and education, as individuals stand in solidarity with the Black community while becoming aware of our history. Individuals can celebrate by gathering with friends and loved ones, dressing in garments that positively represent our ancestors, and watching or reading content that continues to educate on Black issues.
Black Lives Matter began as a call to action in response to state-sanctioned violence and anti-Black racism. Our intention from the very beginning was to connect Black people from all over the world who have a shared desire for justice to act together in their communities. Take this time during Juneteenth to reflect on our accomplishments as well as our struggles. We’ll have a lot more people celebrating this year and as always, we welcome them with open arms.
Our continued commitment to liberation for all Black people means we are continuing the work of our ancestors and fighting for our collective freedom because it is our duty. Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family, for a culture where each person feels seen, heard and supported.
Social media has proven its usefulness during these times as there are pages providing uncensored news, information on local protests, and ways to be an ally as a non-person of color.
Here are some helpful Instagram accounts to follow: Blacklivesmatters, NourishNYC, Blkfolxtherapy, Naacp, and Colorofchange
Netflix has also made it possible for individuals to further their knowledge on the Black experience by highlighting some important films like When They See Us, The Hate You Give, The Help, Moonlight, Orange is the New Black, and many more.
Below are some Black-owned restaurants to support in Brooklyn and the rest of the City. You can also find these restaurants on the black-owned app Eatokra, which helps you find Black-owned restaurants all across the city.
Brooklyn Based Black Owned Businesses
Sugarcane
Soco
Milk river
Negril Bk
Footprints
Peppas
Action Burger
Suede
BK9
Kreyol Flavor
Taste of the City
New York Based Black Owned Businesses
Kingston - Harlem
Ginjan
Cove lounge
Blossom Restaurant - Manhattan
Percys jerk Hut - Queens
Queens Bully
Country Life Jerk
Ponty Bistro
Shrine
Amy Ruths
Sugar Hill Creamery
Visit these sites for more information
