Our nation has a second independence day: June 19th, 1865. On this day, more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas learned that they were free, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Known as Juneteenth, this holiday commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States and has long been celebrated in the Black community. Only recently has it become widely recognized, and it was made a federal holiday in 2021.
As we remember and honor this extraordinary day, we’re sharing four simple ways to take part in Juneteenth celebrations this year.
Support a local Black-owned restaurant.
Book a dinner reservation, or order takeout from your favorite Black-owned eatery. If you have the holiday off, maybe even make a day of it and try local spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Invite your friends along for the restaurant tour as well—the more the merrier! And if you can, tip higher than you usually would.
Educate yourself about the holiday.
Even though it’s a major historical event, Juneteenth has been largely under-recognized. You can learn more about the history of the holiday and the ways it’s celebrated here.
Donate to foundations that support Black empowerment.
Celebrate and champion Black culture through your dollars.
Here are a few to consider:
Juneteenth Foundation: an organization focused on creating awareness and celebrating Juneteenth.
African American Alliance for Homeownership: a nonprofit that helps families obtain, retain, maintain, and sustain their homes
Black Mental Health Alliance: a group that provides training, consultation, support groups, resource referral, public information, and educational resources regarding mental health and mental illness issues
White Coats Black Doctors Foundation: an organization that increases diversity in the medical profession by supporting the development of future Black physicians.
Shop Black-owned businesses now and forever.
Put these bad-ass brands in your regular rotation for your retail therapy. You can also browse and shop our collection of Black-owned businesses in our store.
