Juneteenth is here! Time to incorporate joy and fun and a little bit of money in whatever you decide to do. One of the best parts about Juneteenth is how it is truly a celebration of the freedom Black people won in 1865.
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, the end of slavery in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation of Emancipation. In 1980, Juneteenth became a Texas state holiday.
Juneteenth aka Emancipation Day or Freedom Day is now officially a federal holiday.
America is still reckoning with racism even today. And over the years we have seen racial inequality, especially in the wealth gap. So, here are six ideas to help you to get financially involved in carrying the message of equality and freedom this year.
Buy Black
Become a regular customer of local businesses in your community. Your membership can be of financial aid and protect the livelihood of an individual. If you aren’t sure about businesses in your vicinity that are owned and operated by your Black neighbors, look through the Internet.
Charity work
Donating to a charity is an important way to support this movement. So, you could make an ongoing, monthly donation to an organization or group. Rest assured that your monetary contribution will help fund programs, legal battles and salaries to keep the organization afloat.
Sometimes companies match employee donations to charity, which doubles the size of your contribution toward them.
Themed Costume
Let’s start with being intentional about buying “Black Lives Matter” gear and other apparel. Yes, what you wear speaks volumes! Especially when your apparel reflects an important message that supports racial equality and denounces hate.
Some brands sell apparel ranging from hats, shirts, stickers and hoodies. When you buy this type of clothing you also tend to provide financial support for a cause.
Red All the Way
Host a Juneteenth feast and invest in a display of red foods for your Black neighbors. We’re well aware that red is a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of enslaved people. It’s customary to portray the same on the Juneteenth table.
Dorn your table with the luscious red of strawberries, watermelon, red-colored juice, cherry pies, red velvet cake, and barbecue. Add sausages and hot dogs to your red-hued feast table as well. Don’t forget the soul food additionals like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese.
Is your mouth watering yet? As your kids help set the table, discuss the significance and history behind the meal you’re sharing.
Join A Movement
Organizations are always on the lookout for new members who are interested in voicing out for a good cause. In this case, become an active message bearer against racial discrimination.
Join an organization and subscribe to their newsletters on events, civil involvement and petitions. Find out how you can be more involved. Apart from being an active member in a local social and religious group, you can join nationally recognized organizations as well.
It’s All in the Decor
Honor and learn more about this holiday through Juneteenth decorations! Learn the colors, look through the Internet, buy your raw materials and decorate your homes. You can research where they came from and honor those places with a Juneteenth flag.
