Ludays

BLACK BLACKITY BLACK

Juneteenth Jubilee is a phrase that captures the essence of this glorious day. In 2023 after celebrating Juneteenth in the streets of Brooklyn amongst my BROTHAS and SISTAS, which was surreal, this was the first time that I seen Juneteenth being celebrated and broadcasted in such a massive way. Being that I am from a small town in Florida, Juneteenth can go unnoticed, so being in a city where a large population of Black people reside, it was RICH. Black culture being celebrated and recognized should always be at the forefront, being apart of that celebration made Juneteenth Jubilee absolutely phenomenal. This year, although I will not be celebrating Juneteenth in New York, I will be among my people celebrating in SOFLO!

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, celebrated every 19th of June, is a day to commemorate the “ending” of slavery in the United States. I use “ending” lightly as many forms of systemic racism came to rise with the intent to oppress a group as magical as Black Americans. At its main core, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate Black progress, culture, and freedom in every facet. Black American culture goes beyond all limitations; it is a symbol of strength. Juneteenth isn’t just a memorial of the traumatic past that Soulaan’s [people of soul] endured, it is a reminder of the many barriers that have been broken down and rebuilt to represent all within the community. To be Black is to be rich, to be wealthy, to be creative. Even when placed in small boxes, we manage to break through, we manage to always come out on top. Juneteenth and every other day of the year conveys the influence that Black people have in the world. From cuisine to fashion, Black Americans influence is imprinted in time. With every attempt of erasure, Black American culture continues to shine in its brilliance.

With this Juneteenth, I urge you to remember where the culture started and where it is headed. A long road of creativity and success is ahead. Join in your communities and celebrate with one another, as this is well deserved.

For the DJ’s

I need the Djs in every region of America to dig in their vault and pull out the blackest songs to ever exist. This weekend needs to be a reminder of all the art that we have in our vault. I mean dig deep, don’t just scrape the surface. It’s too many different types of Black music that goes unnoticed. The south, the west, the east, bring out the best hitters and have the GORLS shaking ass and having a great time. May this Juneteenth weekend unlock core memories of forgotten works of art and a discovery of new Black art! ❤️🖤💚