How many of us have heard of Juneteenth, or celebrated it until the past 5 to 10 years? Juneteenth is significant holiday for individuals of African decent or Black American.
This holiday is observed on June 19th, and it commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War was over and that all enslaved people were free. This news came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which had declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were free. Although this holiday has been established in 1865, it did not become a federal holiday until 2021.
This year we had the opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth in Baltimore! Baltimore is a city with a rich history and culture, and its street fashion scene is no exception. From the bold colors and patterns of the city’s inner harbor to the more understated looks of its suburbs, Baltimore’s street fashion is as diverse as the city itself. When one thinks about Black culture and fashion, one must admit that that they are two entities that are related to one another.
This year Snipes celebrated Juneteenth with a three day event in the DMV area. On Juneteenth, the event was moderated by Akron Evans with a panel that discussed a wide variety of important topics such as fashion, entrepreneurship, incarceration and so forth. Those discussions gave the public a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Black culture and it’s impact. The panelists, Zewiditu Jewel, Sherelle Hogan, Brian Ward and Jairus Morris shared experiences and perspectives that the attendees were able to analyze and inquire about.
After the discussions, Snipes hosted a mixer which gave individuals the opportunity to mingle with another. This event was filled with positive ambience, music and so much more. This was a great opportunity to reflect on the conversation and significance of Juneteenth. As we move forward and continue to celebrate Juneteenth, we must remember to participate in conversations and events that will support the culture.
