Teaching Your Children About Juneteenth While Supporting Black Businesses
Juneteenth has gone mainstream
Several families enjoying their Juneteenth celebration in a park. They are having BBQ's, riding bikes and playing. Several layers for easier editing.
Juneteenth has gone mainstream. What was once a mostly regional tradition, upheld and celebrated solely by Black folk, has been turned into a federal holiday. There are pros and cons. On the upside, many more people know about the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black folks learned the news of their emancipation in Galveston, Texas. But on the other hand, corporations that have proven they don’t care about the Black community profit off of the day with cheaply branded merchandise that does little to elevate Black people. If we’re not careful the depth and breadth of this historical moment will be out of reach for our children. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth with your children and also do something for the community at the same time, here are a few suggestions.
Rock a Commemorative Juneteenth Tee from Black Market Vintage Tee
If you go into a major retailer, you’re likely to see mass produced, Juneteenth paraphernalia. There are tees, hats, socks and even paper plates. Some of the items might even be cute. But you know that money is lining the pockets of the already rich. If you want to rock a Juneteenth shirt that comes from Black creators, check out Black Market Vintage’s annual, commemorative tee. Like always, the design is created by a different Black artist. This year features work from artist and painter, Nina Chanel Abney, who has worked with the Jordan Brand, MoMA and more.
Black owned bookstores have long been sites of learning and liberation for our people. Sadly, many of them are at risk of closing their doors. It’s always a good time to shop at these stores but especially important on this holiday. While you’re in the store, ask if they have Anne Wynter’s new book So Many Years which uses poetic prose to teach children the historical significance of Juneteenth while also reminding them of the beauty and resilience of Black people.
Eat Red
If you want to ensure that you pass down specific Juneteenth traditions to your children, make sure you incorporate red foods into your meal this day. The color red is a symbol for the blood of the people who have sacrificed their freedom and their lives, tolling in this country so that we might enjoy a better life. Red shows up in a lot of Black culinary traditions including barbecue, hibiscus juice and of course red velvet cake. You can find these items in your local Black owned restaurants. But if you can’t, you can always buy a pint of Red Velvet Cheesecake flavor from Creamalicious, an ice cream brand created and owned by Executive Chef Liz Rogers, a Black woman.
Hit the Streets
Juneteenth parades used to be relegated to Texas, where the holiday has been recognized by the government since 1980. But now that it’s federal, several cities are beginning their own traditions to honor the day. Check out your local library for information about parades, gatherings, and other events that are both educational and entertaining for the whole family.
Make Some Art
If you want to engage your little artists, Pink Picasso’s paint by numbers kits are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. This Black owned company offers the perfect vehicle to create something beautiful while also having a conversation about Black entrepreneurship in their Watermelon kit. As you work to bring the picture to life, you can talk to your kids about how newly freed Black folk began selling watermelon to begin earning money for themselves for the first time in this country. While our connection to watermelon has been denigrated, it is a symbol of our freedom.
