The Fourth of July literally right around the corner and with the black community recently celebrating Juneteenth, I decided to discuss one the main reason I celebrate the Fourth of July being black.  

On June 19th, known as Juneteenth, we commemorate the day of emancipation from slavery in Texas on that day in 1865. Don't feel bad if you have never heard of it or know much about it. It's celebrated more in the southern states and to be honest, our history classes in grade school didn't really focus on "our" history. Personally, I learned about Juneteenth in my African American Studies class my freshman year of college. This year it seemed that more African Americans were excited about Juneteenth and wanting to celebrate this year which is amazing but there were some that made sure to down those African Americans that celebrate the Fourth of July.

I saw so many memes and comments from the "woke folks" advising African Americans that they shouldn't celebrate the Fourth of July and they "need" to be celebrating Juneteenth instead. Well, coming some a sistah who has studied African American history (it was my minor in college) and knows the meaning of both, I opt to celebrate both and here is why.

For me any holiday is a day to spend time with family and friends. Have a cookout, have a fish fry, gather at a park or somebody's house to love on each other and celebrate life. With that being said let's be honest right quick ok sis? Juneteenth is  not a holiday recognized by companies nor the government. This means for the most part, everybody has to go to the work on that day so that limits that amount of celebrating that can be done. Y'all know when you have to work you might do a little dinner out at night, happy hour but full on partying is rare, at least for me and the people I know. That alone can prevent a lot people from celebrating. 

Let's flip the script though, American loves to celebrate the Fourth of July so most of the people I know are off on that day and maybe even the day after to extend their weekend or time off. I know this is the case for me. My family and friends are off on that day so we are able to get together and celebrate which is what holidays are all about. Spending time with the people that your love and taking advantage as the time you have away from work. 

So when asked if I celebrate both the answer is yes because Juneteenth I can enjoy the festivals and activities that my city offers on the weekend of the holiday and for the Fourth of July I can take the day given to me to celebrate with family and friends. Do we really celebrate the freedom of the day probably not but we do celebrate the BBQ chicken, ribs, mac and cheese that is prepared and good ol' electric slide and game of spades. We also might light a few fireworks to the sky. Sue me!

If you didn't get anything else from this post here are the two most important things:

Outfit Details:

Hat: Forever21

Jacket: Thirfted 

Skirt: Lane Bryant

Shoes: Adidas