Juneteenth!
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- By jaq
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So Many Resources!
This week, we wanted to highlight a holiday long overdue for national recognition — Juneteenth, the oldest known annual celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. Like a lot of Black history, many details of June 19, 1865 remain unknown, but Juneteenth remains as a symbol in the ongoing struggle for racial equality. Despite work by activists over the years, it’s still not recognized as a federal holiday. Hopefully, 2020 is the year that changes. This year, as national outrage has sparked with the deaths of George Floyd and more Black Americans, and as the Black Lives Matter movement has gained momentum, there is a renewed necessity to recognize this day and to take action in the fight for Black freedom and equality.
Activism and Ally-ship are difficult (even without a worldwide pandemic). Some put themselves on the frontlines in harm's way, some donate to worthy organizations, some post hard truths on social media, some put signs in their yards, and some wear Black Lives Matter t-shirts. Most people in the fight for social justice endure uncomfortable conversations with bigoted loved ones. There are many paths in the hard fight for social and racial justice and equality. Together, we need to bring our energies to all fronts: public demonstration, peer pressure, legislation, voting, one-on-one and group conversation, and more. Mostly, we must create connections with each other through authenticity, relatability, and vulnerability. We can’t solve inequality with a well written tweet or names written in chalk on sidewalks. We can, however, create cracks in the foundation of institutional racism, letting light into dark places.
As I sat down to write for this blog about Juneteenth, I realized that I should step the f*ck back because I’m a white lady. I think of myself as an ally, but I know I have a lot of work to do. So… there are way better people from whom to hear about Juneteenth. Here are a few of them:
Indianapolis-based writer and general badass, Tamara Winfrey-Harris wrote this for the LA Times: Illusion of the Liberation of Black people.
Her book, “The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America” is so so good. The link takes you to a black-owned book store in Chicago.
Also, because she's brilliant and we would follow Tamara off a cliff, we're excited to share this recommended reading list that she found on IG.
Black Women Writers!!
- You're Dead-so What?: Media, Police, And The Invisibility Of Black Women As Victims Of Homicide - Cheryl L. Neelyg
- Remaking Black Power: How Black Women Transformed an Era - Ashley D. Farmer
- Real Sister Stereotypes, Respectability, and Black Women in Reality TV - Jervette R. Ward @jervette
- How to be Less Stupid About Race - Crystal M. Fleming
- How We Fight White Supremacy - Akiba Solomon and Kenrya Rankin @akibajsolomon @kenrya
- They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up - Eternity Martis @eterniteee
- This Bridge Called My Back - Writings by Radical Women of Colour
- The Sisters are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America- Tamara Winfrey Harris @tamarawinfreyharris
- Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream - Blair Imani @blairimani
- Modern Herstory - Blair Imani @blairimani
- Citizen - Claudia Rankine
- Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? - Beverly Daniel Tatum
This article from The Kitchn about the writer and her mother creating menus for Juneteenth celebrations. Claiming Joy: The Juneteenth Menu of my Momma’s Memories
Esquire created this list ways to celebrate Juneteenth by donating to organizations fighting for racial justice.
Do you need a social justice sign for your yard - Yard Activism is a Thing! Check out this wonderful black-owned business
PBS - Greater awareness about history spurs increased celebration.
From our friends at Kan Kan Cinema: Films made available to watch for free in support of black filmmakers and voices
The Root
Senators will introduce legislation to make Juneteenth a National holiday
Interview with organizer of original Juneteenth cookout
Jezebel - The Story of Katie Darling and the Complex Jubilation
Please please please let us know what else you're reading, cooking, and doing to celebrate Juneteenth!
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