Juneteenth

Since its origin in 1865, Juneteenth has been celebrated widely in Black communities around the United States, but its existence still remains a bit of a mystery to many non-Black Americans. Two years ago Juneteenth was made a federal holiday, but a significant portion of the population may just take the extra day off and not question much about it. So, what is this new holiday?

Like I said before, this holiday is not actually new. The first Juneteenth occurred on June 19th, 1865. On this day, the news reached Texas that all enslaved people were to be freed, which was the place furthest from the decree and therefore the last to become aware. With this news outbreak, all previously enslaved people were now considered free. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into effect in 1863, it had no jurisdiction over states in the Confederacy, so it took the end of the war to bring about freedom for all. With freedom for all finally being instated, Juneteenth is often considered to be a second Independence Day for Americans, or even the true Independence Day in many cases.

It’s one thing to learn about the history of Juneteenth, but it’s another to actually celebrate it! Juneteenth is celebrated in a variety of different fashions, from community to individual levels. Some people gather for a neighborhood celebration, others simply celebrate with immediate family. The most impactful way to celebrate the holiday, however, is to invest in and shop from Black-owned businesses and organizations. This being the case, here are some Black-owned businesses in the southwest Chicagoland area to support this Juneteenth:

• Can’t Believe It’s not Meat: Located in Orland Park, this vegan restaurant specializes in taking your favorite comfort foods and turning them into healthier versions while maintaining the flavors you love!
• The Funky Foliage Shop: It’s a plant store! What more do you need? Take a trip to Flossmoor to visit this slice of nature.
• Juiced by Shic: With a Chicago location opening soon, this Midlothian smoothie and juice bar will leave you feeling more than refreshed on a hot summer day. My personal favorite is the Strawberries & B-a-n-a-n-a smoothie; you can’t beat the classics!
• RubyElla Sweets: I cannot say enough good things about this candy store! You’ll be greeted with a warm and bright smile and leave with some of the best treats you’ve ever had. You could go swimming in the amount of classic candies that this shop has, but I also recommend trying some of Shawnda’s homemade sweets. Her pound cake sells quickly for a reason!

There are plenty more incredible Black-owned businesses in the Chicagoland area and they are not hard to find! A quick internet search will get you all the information you need to go support a Black-owned business this Juneteenth, and every other day for that matter. While Juneteenth may only be officially observed for one day out of the year, Black liberation, joy, and success are some things that we should continuously strive for and invest in.

Lucy M.

Undergraduate Intern 2023

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Image: https://www.wnpl.info/juneteenth-celebrating-freedom/