Juneteenth is a day celebrated by Americans and in particular the African American community. This day commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States. This day is considered a state holiday in 45 states and is observed primarily in local celebrations.
The institution of slavery, which brought Africans against their will to America, destroyed families and abused millions of human beings, lasted for 246 years in the United States. However, a year after the official end of slavery, there was a large celebration organized by African Americans in Texas, which is now considered Juneteenth.
Today, many African Americans flourish and make extremely beneficial contributions to the American economy. Whether it be in entertainment with the likes of Lebron James or in politics with Barack Obama, the African American community is strong and continuing to grow. In celebration of the growth and strength of the African American community I went to a Juneteenth celebration in Miami.
Many of the Juneteenth celebrations around the United States have marching bands that play music that was popular in the slavery era. Tunes such as Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Down By the Riverside and Wade in the Water were sung throughout many plantations and gave African American slaves hope for a better future.
However at the Juneteenth celebration I went to, called Pure Life Festival, the music was very hip and in vogue. The majority of the music performers were rappers, but there were some female rhythms and blues (RnB) singers as well. My favorite performance was the duo act of rappers BloodSoPure and The Dawn with their psychedelic song Srii Yantra. This song is about being conscious, discerning corruption and interpreting spiritual energy.
The music was the main attraction at the Pure Life Festival, but there were also vendors that contributed to the event. The type of products being sold varied from deodorant to jewelry to even cosmetic materials. The company that caught my attention the most was named DopeNaturals. All of their hygienic products were handmade and ranged from soap bars , deodorants, body oils and so much more.
The entrepreneur and co- founder of the company, Shanita Walker, explained to me the benefits of using a holistic and vegan approach to skincare. The primary benefit of vegan skincare is protection against UV damage. The less chemical compounds the better, because the more natural ingredients there are the healthier it is for human use. Also she told me that natural hygienic products can have anti-aging benefits due to ingredients such as soy and green tea.
People at the event were doing dances such as the robot, twerk and freestyle. The disregard of insecurities and judgement of other people created a very special atmosphere. These actions were very apropos of celebrating Juneteenth which is all about African Americans breaking not only the physical chains of slavery, but the mental chains as well.
One very physical performance that highlighted the freedom of movement was yoga. Two young yoga enthusiasts got on stage and performed different yoga techniques such as double tree, savasana, and flying warrior. After their display of flexibility, the man of the duo explained the benefits of yoga. This physical discipline can increase flexibility, maintain a balanced metabolism, improve respiration and so much more. Yoga is great as an individual activity, but also can bring people together as a community.
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