Juneteenth is a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is a symbol of freedom from slave trade across all states. The NVE team has compiled a list of resources that provide insight and wisdom in the battle to end racism.
Juneteenth is a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is a symbol of freedom from slave trade across all states. We celebrate Juneteenth in recognition of the fact that July 4th doesn’t mean independence for all.
This year and every year moving forward, NVE’s offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth as an official holiday so that our team can take the time to reflect, take action, or simply stand in solidarity with those affected by racial injustice. We are thankful to the US government for establishing this day as a federal holiday, but we know that the fight for freedom and justice for all continues on.
We encourage you to arm yourselves with knowledge against racism and injustice. The NVE team has compiled a list of resources that are easily accessible to provide insight and wisdom in the battle to end racism.
Places to Donate:
- Innocence Project – Provides free legal help to those who have been wrongfully convicted.
- Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp – Advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders.
- National Black Justice Coalition – Works toward making employment and education opportunities more inclusive for Black LGBTQ members.
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture – The only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture
Places to get educated:
African American Influencers to follow:
- @rachel.cargle
- @emmanuelacho
- @ohhappydani
- @iamderay
- @valencia_valencia
African American Owned Local Businesses:
NYC:
- Peaches Hot House @peacheshothouse – Brooklyn’s Best fried chicken!
- Byas & Leon @byasleon – Byas & Leon is a heavy hitting local spot with distinct taste. They specialize in sustainable fashion & craftsmanship, while also serving as an Afro Caribbean cultural hub.
- Central Brooklyn Food Coop @cbfoodcoop The Central Brooklyn Food Coop is a Black-led, 100% community-owned and operated grocery store.
- Joloff Restaurant@joloffresturant– Joloff Restaurant has become a local go to for Senegalese flavors made in Brooklyn.
- Cafe Rue Dix@caferuedix – Explores West African and French heritage through its food, drinks and decor.
- Harlem’s Fashion Row @harlemsfashionrow – Less than 1% of designs in major department stores are of color. Founded by Brandice Daniel, Harlem’s Fashion Row introduces you to an array of multicultural designers.
LA:
- CharLi Beauty Bar @charlibeautybar – Licensed esthetician CharLi Taylor offers body waxing, eyelash extensions, facials and more
- Cross Colours – @crosscolorsla – Launched in L.A. in 1989, Carl Jones’ and T.J. Walkers’ streetwear label with a bold color palette inspired by the Pan-African flag and motto “clothing without prejudice” was embraced by hip-hop and then, seemingly, the whole world. The founders and the brand are still around — and their message seems more relevant than ever.
- Los Angeles Oils and Butters @losangelesoilsandbutters – Licensed aesthetician Jerron “Ronnie” Mitchell launched his DTLA-based skin care line in 2017 and sells his acne-zapping, skin-toning Tea Tree Serum Kits and spot-fading Emu Serum Kits (the brand’s two bestsellers), oil-infused African black soaps and other potions and lotions.
- Bludso’s Bar and Que @bludsosbbq – In 2008, he opened Bludso’s BBQ, his small takeout BBQ stand in Compton, California. It has since grown into an international empire, with a flagship restaurant, Bludso’s Bar & Que, in Hollywood, a concession stand at the LAFC Soccer Stadium, a location in Proud Bird by LAX, and a sprawling restaurant and bar called San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ in the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
- EsoWon Books @esowonbooks – Specialty bookshop. Black-owned bookstore that caters to black readers, located in a neighborhood that’s often referred to as the cultural heart of black L.A
- Harun Coffee @haruncoffee – Coffee meets culture. Based out of Leimert Park, Harun Coffee is serving up coffee, food, and apparel. Whether you’re on the hunt for delicious avocado toast, a hot cup of coffee, or a branded fitted cap, you can find them all here.
Historic Black Experience Documentaries:
Articles:
Movies:
- The Hate U Give – 2018
- Just Mercy – 2019
- If Beale Street Could Talk – 2018
- Miss Juneteenth – 2020
Earica Parrish
Senior Strategist, Inclusive Marketing
A creative multi-hyphenate who works to inspire others, incite change, and promote artistic values. An extensive background in writing, design, digital strategy, content production, guest services and community engagement.
