Damita Miller-Shanklin

As another Juneteenth comes to an end, I am reflecting on my day. For some reason, I kept going back and forth about taking off from work or just going in. I ended up going in but I only worked half the day. I missed the events over the weekend but I was determined to do something to celebrate.

Growing up I celebrated Juneteenth each year by going to the parade and down to Rosewood park. To be honest, I have not attended the parade in many years. But I always felt a need to find a way to celebrate in my own way. This year I had a homemade meal that consist of smothered pork chops, greens, cabbage, sweet potatoes and cornbread. This food represents Juneteenth to me. Food is always a big part of celebrating Juneteenth.

Today, being that it was 100 degrees outside, I texted my “partner in crime” Eliza and we decided ice cream would be fun. We met for Gelato which was my first time having it. We went to Dolce Neve. While cooling off we discussed Juneteenth and our feelings about the holiday. For me I remember Juneteenth as family time, a community gathering, and celebration of our freedom. It was a time you ran into people you hadn’t seen in a while and just a overall good time.

There are laws being passed which don’t allow children to read books about our black history. Juneteenth is a legacy activity we have to make sure we teach our young people. Make sure your grand kids understand what Juneteenth represents and what it means to your family. I will get on my soup box for just a minute. We have to tell our stories, our family histories, our ancestors story because no one else will. I feel it is our responsibility to tell our stories to ensure the legacy of our histories carry on long after we are gone. Okay, stepping down off my box now.

I hope everyone enjoyed the events and activities of Juneteenth 2023. It is beautiful time for celebrating our ancestors from being enslaved to allowing us to be free as we are today. I wonder what they would think? We have to continue the fight and appreciate the fight that came before us. For all the Austinites that fought to make Juneteenth a holiday, “Thank You.”

Well I will see you again next year! But in the meantime, continue to talk about who we are as individuals, a community, and as a people.