“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”
— Toni Morrison
WE ARE IN A CRISIS. OUR DEMOCRACY IS ON FIRE. THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER.
Hey Fam,
Happy Juneteenth y’all! We have Juneteenth, Father’s Day and Black Music Month all together?! It’s an absolute shame not to fully celebrate this month. And if there’s one thing black people are going to do it is celebrate to the absolute fullest!
But first, can I share a proud Godmom moment with y’all? My oldest godson, Javon graduated from High School and turned the Big 1-8! J, I’m so proud of you, we are all so proud of you, it’s been an honor to witness your growth and be a part of your journey. I love you to the moon and back, we are forever locked in! (I promise I’m not crying as I’m typing this).
To the dads, uncles, step dads, grandpas and all the father figures: we salute you this month. We love you, we adore you, we cherish you, and we value you. Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for your presence, your protection, your guidance, your love and your support. Thank you for being you.
And to everyone’s favorite Papa, my main man, Papa Rye sometimes referred to as Eddie Rye, Jr, but forever my Daddy: You are the epitome of an outstanding father, an amazing brother, a loving husband, a respectful son, a friend and an activist. A shining light in the darkest rooms, a smile that brings joy to everyone you come in contact with, my voice of reason, my dancing partner, a true guide in every aspect of my journey. Thank you for setting the bar so high, and being exactly who you are, all the time, every time. I love you DADDY!
Happy Birthday, Happy Father’s to you! This one is especially for you!
Y’all already know what time it is! It’s JUNETEENTH!
A celebration of love and liberation, for us, by us, to us and through us, it’s US all up and through the month of June. A commemoration of the emancipation of the last group of enslaved Black people receiving their freedom on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. Only 157 years later, I think it’s safe to say Texas still has some making up to do, but that’s another conversation for another day. While we love and appreciate the acknowledgements and resolutions, please keep the red, black, (yellow) and green tablecloths to a minimum and spare us the ice cream flavors, instead we’ll take the 40 acres and a mule you promised us, can you say reparations please?
Juneteenth isn’t a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, it’s an acknowledgement of our people being told they were free to live the lives they so rightfully deserve. Let’s not forget we built this joint for free. Our blood, sweat and tears have been the backbone for America. This concept surrounding the true meaning of freedom has been a part of my journey for a while now, unpacking the true meaning behind what freedom looks like for us, and exploring the intricacies of our journey on the path to freedom have always been on my heart. In particular, the narrative that has been given to the Black community surrounding the roles we play in our one freedom. Freedom isn’t something we should have to work for, it’s our birthright. For us, true freedom comes when all of us are free. Regardless of our education, our experiences, our beliefs and our place in society, our real freedom comes when the impoverished, the less educated, the broken, the forgotten rural communities and the inner city projects all achieve the freedom that is theirs, the freedom they deserve.
That is when we are free, that is the real celebration.
We deserve this day and so much more. So as the kids say, “we outside”, and we truly are! As we move towards the last half of the year, we are closing the doors to negative spaces and opening our hearts to a fresh, bright renewed sense of energy. For Juneteenth, we are out in the sun, in the places that once denied us entry, that once tried to separate us from a soft life, we are traveling, living, thriving ( and some of us are brunching), we are walking into spaces like God put us there. Outside in the sun where we clear our minds, where we find solace, it’s where our beautiful melanated shades find a source of nutrients and energy that connect us to the visions and dreams of our ancestors. To be outside means to bask in the sun and relish in the plans that God has laid out just for you. So this Juneteenth, and every month hereafter, grab your friends and family, and “go outside”, get some sun and enjoy all the spaces that await you.
AND THAT’s how we honor Juneteenth!
It’s the nostalgia you get when you hear Tevin Campell’s Can We Talk, or the spiritual cry you release when you hear one of Kirk Franklin’s gospel melodies, it may even be the way you jump out your seat when you hear Earth, Wind and Fire’s, September. Whatever the vibe is, Black Music will always be the answer. Our sophisticated funk, smooth classical and R&B rhythms, ranging from Duke Ellington to Drake, and Billie Holiday to Beyonce, Luther, Aretha, Prince and Stevie, Black Music can stand on its own. Our euphonic beats and amplified sounds are an integral part of the culture, a testament of our pride, and a journey through our experiences. Black music is a celebration of our community and truths we all need to hear.
This month, turn the music up a little louder, dance a little harder, laugh a little louder.
Sending you all the love, joy, freedom, justice, and power you can stand.
Righteously and cheerfully,
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