Celebrate Juneteenth: 10 Powerful Actions to Empower and Support Black Women
From supporting Black-owned businesses to amplifying Black voices to donating for change, we invite you to join us in taking action...
Juneteenth, a historic day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865, holds profound significance in our nation's history. As we honor this milestone, it is crucial for us at TueNight to deepen our commitment to becoming stronger allies, friends, and colleagues. We stand dedicated to actively listening, expanding our knowledge, and taking the necessary steps to create a better world for future generations.
In celebration of Juneteenth, we have curated a collection of meaningful ways to observe this day and uplift Black women. From supporting Black-owned businesses to engaging with literature by Black authors and contributing to essential causes and organizations, we invite you to join us in taking action.
Here are 10 things TueNighters can do to support Black women on Juneteenth:
1. Read a book by a Black writer: We recommend TueNighters Deesha Philyaw, Jamiyla Chisholm, Danyel Smith, Nicole A. Taylor, Sophfronia Scott, or get a suggestion from Well-Read Black Girl, Books and Crannies, Harriett’s Bookshop, and The Lit Bar.
2. Tour a Black culture museum or exhibit: American Writers Museum; National Museum of African American History & Culture; African American Museum in Philadelphia; John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts.
3. Support Black-owned businesses: Black-owned Association offers a directory for hundreds of businesses and products locally and worldwide.
4. Watch Black-led movies or shows: 13th; PBS collections; Dear White People; The Hate You Give; Selma; When They See Us; If Beale Street Could Talk; The Perfect Find; Surrounded.
5. Donate to a charity organization fighting for equity and racial justice: Giving Gap is on a mission to advance racial equity in giving and curates incredible Black-led nonprofits and organizes them by cause and state.
6️. Eat at (or buy a gift card from) Black-owned restaurants: EatOkra is an app and website that connects “foodies to Black restaurants and culinary events while amplifying the dining experience for and by Black communities.” And make sure to tip well.
7️. Use diverse stock photography: Black-owned stock photography sites like Nappy, TONL, and CreateHER Stock are great resources.
8️. Support LGBTQ+ Black-owned brands and genderless labels: Black Queer Magic, Bloom & Plume Coffee, Bowtie Behavior, Brownie Points For You, Coco and Breezy Eyewear, Linn TV Productions, Makoma, No Sesso, Phlemuns, The Proper Bunny, Pyramid Seven; Show & Tell Concept Shop, Style Is Freedom, A Tribe Called Queer, and We L.I.T.
9️. Listen to Black Artists: Spotify has awesome playlists like Black History Salute, The Black Power Mixtape, and Queen that highlight past and present Black artists.
10. Check out: Hire Black Now and their initiative to help provide career coaching for Black women.
For the locals: here’s a great guide on the 27 best 2023 Juneteenth events in NYC.
We recognize this list is by no means complete, so we commit to continue adding to it! Have a link to share with us? Let us know in the comments, below.