Celebrate Juneteenth 2021 by Continuing Your Support of the Black Lives Movement
Juneteenth /JOON/-TEEN/TH
On June 19, 1865 Texas became the last sate to end slavery despite the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior. Texas was the most remote of the slave states with low union representation and increasing slave population. Juneteenth is a symbol of total freedom from slave trade across all states, including Texas.
On June 17, 2021 President Joe Biden signed the bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Which is great and the right thing to do. But we need more done, like police brutality laws, voting suppression laws, and the full acknowledgment of Black culture in the history of the US.
To celebrate this important day in American history and to continue supporting the black lives movement, we have curated a list of our favorite black art organizations to support, black literature to read and black content creators to amplify. We’ve already listed our favorite black fashion brands here.
Black literature to read, both fictional and non-fictional:
Have Black Lives Ever Mattered? by Mumia Abu-Jamal
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Their Eye Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Contribute to resources for black artists and arts organizations:
Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
African American Arts Alliance of Chicago
Amplify these black voices in the fashion industry:
Chrissy Rutherford, brand consultant, contributor to Harper’s Bazaar
Tamu McPherson, digital creator and founder of All the Pretty Birds
Tiffany Reid, fashion director at Bustle Digital Group
Danielle Prescod, digital creator, style director at BET
Gabi Fresh, influencer
Of course this list barely scratches the surface of the millions black artists, creators, authors and designers. Share your favorite with us in the comments!
Dietrich Zeigler is the Executive Producer and Co-Founder of FashionFiles. He is responsible for the overall art direction of the site, and is the mastermind behind photography and videography. You may find him in the press pit during Fashion Month, roaming around the globe looking for the perfect shot or enjoy a glass of fine whisky.