Browse Tag

juneteenth

3 mins read

Opal Lee: The Grandmother of Juneteenth

Opal Lee is a 96-year-old retired teacher, counselor, and activist who has dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality. She is best known for her work to make Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. This was two and a half years after the proclamation was issued, and it marked the end of slavery in the United States.

Lee was born in Marshall, Texas in 1926. She grew up in a segregated society, and she witnessed firsthand the effects of racism. She was determined to make a difference in the world, and she chose to focus her work on Juneteenth.

In 1980, Lee began leading annual walks to commemorate Juneteenth. These walks were 2.5 miles long, representing the 2.5 years it took for news of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach Texas. Lee continued to lead these walks for over 40 years, and they became a symbol of her commitment to Juneteenth and to racial justice.

In 2016, at the age of 89, Lee embarked on a 1,400-mile walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to advocate for making Juneteenth a national holiday. She walked two and a half miles each day, and she was joined by thousands of supporters along the way.

Lee’s efforts were successful, and on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill S. 475, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday. Lee was present at the signing ceremony.

In addition to her work on Juneteenth, Lee has also been a vocal advocate for other causes, including voting rights, education, and economic justice. She is a tireless champion for the rights of all people, and she is a role model for young people and adults alike.

The Importance of Opal Lee’s Work

Opal Lee’s work to make Juneteenth a national holiday is important for several reasons. First, it helps to raise awareness of the history of slavery and the fight for Black liberation. Second, it helps to promote racial healing and reconciliation. Third, it provides an opportunity to celebrate Black culture and achievements.

Juneteenth is a day of great significance for Black Americans. It marks the end of slavery in the United States, and it is a day to celebrate freedom and liberation. However, Juneteenth is also a day to remember the legacy of slavery and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Opal Lee’s work to make Juneteenth a national holiday is an important step towards achieving these goals. It helps to raise awareness of the history of slavery and the fight for Black liberation. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate Black culture and achievements.

Lee’s work is an inspiration to us all. Her work will continue to have a lasting impact on the fight for a more just and equitable society.

2 mins read

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses You Should Know

Walmart’s recent attempt to commercialize Juneteenth with a new ice cream flavor backfired.

Their “Celebration Edition: Juneteenth Ice Cream,” was met with outrage and has sparked a backlash from many on social media.

Juneteenth ice cream found in a Walmart store in North Carolina.

The company has now pulled the product from its shelves and issued an apology. However, don’t worry, they still have several other Juneteenth related items for sale including the “It’s the freedom for me,” can cooler :/

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

This is a great time to remind all that there are several Black-owned ice cream businesses that we can support, starting with Creamalicious, the brand that originally created the swirled red velvet and cheesecake flavor that Walmart used for its own version.

Black-Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Creamalicious Ice Creams (Nationwide)

Mikey Likes It (New York, NY)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Here’s The Scoop DC (Washington D.C.)

Here's The Scoop Delivery & Takeout | 2824 Georgia Avenue Northwest Washington | Menu & Prices | DoorDash

JD’s Vegan (Select locations nationwide)

JD's Vegan - Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

 

Taharka Bros. Ice Cream (Baltimore, MD)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Earthy Goodness Vegan (Houston, TX)

black owned ice cream businesses

Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor & Cafe (St. Louis, MO)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Little Giant Ice Cream (Oakland, CA )

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Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets (Richmond, VA )

HOME | Ruby Scoops

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats (Alexandria, VA)

 

Whipped Urban Dessert Lab (New York, NY)

 

Lil’ Ice Cream Dude’s Cool World Ice Cream Shop (Athens, GA)

Cajou Creamery (Baltimore, MD)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Kubé (Oakland, CA)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Double Dipper Ice Cream (Claymont, DE)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Ice Cream 504 (New Orleans, LA)

 

Tipping Cow (Somerville, MA)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

 

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6 mins read

Juneteenth Gift Ideas That Support Black Entrepreneurs

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth is also a time for rejoicing and for planning the future. Rejoicing involves sending a thoughtful gift to spread some Juneteenth joy. Planning for the future involves empowering Black entrepreneurs to create generational wealth in our community.

That being said, we’re extremely excited to present our first Juneteenth Gift Guide.

Juneteenth Gift Guide 2021

Sewit Sium makes statement jewelry, imbued with African living history, culture, spirit & indigenous technologies.

juneteenth

BLK MKT Vintage is a Brooklyn, NY-based antique/vintage concept shop, specializing in collectibles, cast-off’s and curiosities, which represent the richness of Black history and lived experience.

junteenth gift

Nappy Head Apparel is a lifestyle brand that believes there is power in the messages that we put on our bodies. We’re Always Black, and Never Sorry: we use fashion as a way to tell ourselves, and the world, that our Blackness deserves to be celebrated loud and unapologetically. CODE JUNETEENTH2021 for 20% off your order. 

junteenth gift

 

Humanize My Hoodie creates sweatshirts that make a powerful statements that debunk racist myths, invites conversations, and empowers marginalized communities to be seen, heard, and valued.

junteenth gift

Mud2Millions is a beginner’s cheat code guide, by early millionaire Ayesha Selden, on how to build wealth through ownership.

This New York Times bestselling book by America’s fave financial education, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, is the perfect companion for your financial journey. If you’re ready to master your money holistically, Get Good with Money is the 10-step plan that you need.

Sistah Scifi is the first Black owned bookstore focused on Science Fiction and Fantasy casting spells to uplift literature written by Black and Native American women.

junteenth gift
Image credit @mskittifatale

Everybody Eats is a colorfully simple board book, and an introduction to hip hop’s culinary lyrics. From Notorious BIG to Cardi B, parents and caregivers will enjoy rapping some of their favorite lyrics to their little ones.

junteenth gift

Neter Gold is an all natural body care brand that only wants the best for you and your family. We just want you to feel better about yourself so you can change the world in your own way; you’re enough, you’ve always been enough. We’re just here to help you see it. Use Code: ShoppeBlack for 20% off One-Time Purchase & 35% off Subscription purchase

junteenth gift

Green Heffa Farms  grows medicinal plants that we use in our custom-blended teas. Our new blackiTEA blend is in honor of the contributions Black farmers have made to agriculture. Use code JUNETEENTH for 15% off any purchases of $25 or more.

junteenth gift

Herban Farms specializing in growing small batch herbs and hot peppers used in a variety of culinary expressions. Offer: 21% off any food products from now until June 20th. Code: BLACKCODE21

 

Herb’N Eden is on a mission to create holistic bath and body products that help maintain skin health. Our products are made with botanical ingredients that are known to do just that!

junteenth gift

Bright Black is a Durham-based company that uses scent as an artistic medium and candles as a platform to share positive narratives about Blackness. Offer: 10% off all orders with code: SHOPPEBLACK.

junteenth gift

Posh Candle Co. is a Los Angeles based home fragrance brand with products that inspire you to stay lit with their catchy phrases and unique scents. They offer a fresh take on pampering and self-care for a vibe you can’t find anywhere else. Take 15% off your order until June 30th with the code: SHOPPE15  

junteenth gift

Ronald Sippio Jr is known as The EDC Guy, and is the author of Erica’s Big Day, a book about unattended firearms and firearm safety for children. He is also the owner and head instructor of The EDC Guy Academy, firearms training for the everyday simple individuals based in South Florida.

junteenth gift
Wardrobe Architect specializes in stylish and versatile yet discreet EDC belts that can hold the weight of a full size handgun. Our belts provide a precise fit for a fast and secure draw 24/7. Offer: 25% off EDC belts promo code is: 061921
juneteenth gift guide
kweliTV  is a streaming platform that celebrates global Black stories through 500+ curated films and shows that amplify the Black experience in the US, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Australia. kweliTV is $5.99 per month. The first 7 days are free!

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