Juneteenth celebrates the day that enslaved people in Galveston, TX were informed of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger shared with them the message of Emancipation Proclamation. General Order No. 3. granted former slaves equality in personhood and property rights, but also relegated them to the status of laborers for their former masters. Even so, the critical status of freedom was established.
Overtime, members of the African American community would commemorate the day with their own celebrations. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the history of the Juneteenth holiday. Following the killing of Mike Brown in 2014 and the early development of the Black Lives Matter movement, the community renewed efforts to recognize Juneteenth as an impactful event in the national history of the United States of America.
President Joe Biden signed into law a bill recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021.
For the community of Joppa, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the work of strengthening community bonds and honoring its heritage as a Freedman’s town. The community’s Juneteenth festival features a gathering of black businesses, cuisine, and a live music band.
Hosted by the Dallas Inner City Growers Coalition and Joppy Momma’s Farm, the Joppa Juneteenth Festival in Dallas seeks to make promises for a more equal future a reality.
Dorothy Beard, founder of Sistas Ministry, Inc, provides spiritual counseling and mentorship to members of the community. Their motto, “Nothing But Love” reflects their desire to create a the safe space for women and children in need. The ministry opened its doors in 2000 and has since continued its service through interruptions, such as Covid-19. Beard currently runs the primary operation out of her home.
“[We] value collaboration and the opportunity to put ourselves out there,” Beard said. “We love doing community work.”
Sistahs Ministry is a coalition of fourteen women whose service to community members is free and supported by donations.
Twice a year, a committee chooses a featured family to offer additional assistance, providing them with additional clothing, food, and monetary support.
“We ask the lord to let us be a blessing to the community.”
The Bible verse, Titus 2: 3-5 speaks to their mission of ensuring that older women in the community support and train their younger counterparts in service and faith.
Another vendor at the celebration was youth-entrepreneur, Ava Williams. Accompanied by her mother, the young entrepreneur offered a selection of handcrafted, beaded jewelry for festival goers to peruse and purchase.
Inspired by her aunt and great grandfather, who are also business owners, the young Williams wants to spread the message that others can start their own platforms.
“I had the idea to make bracelets and to show hope that others are inspired to start their own businesses.”
Williams said the history of Juneteenth is important to her.
“Black people have made lots of progress in the past and should keep [making] progress toward the future.”
For her personal future, Williams is clear on her plans.
“I want to be a veterinarian and to continue my small business,” she said.
Centering the health and prosperity of the black community was an important topic among visitors and vendors alike.
Akwele Tyehimba is the owner of the Pan African Connection and a co-founder of the Farmers and Black Food Educators Network. She helped visitors and spoke to the need for communities like Joppa to mind their narrative.
“We have the means to educate but need to be in control of our own empowerment,” Tyehimba said. “We need to be more intentional about terms [of] equality and inclusiveness are given straight to the community.”
Founder of Unified Hands, Darryl Kenebrew, hosts three programs and six community gardens aimed at improving food equity in his community. In partnership with the Pan-African Connection, Unified Hands takes focus away from corporations to highlight community members who will benefit from food education.
In closing, Teyahimba reiterated the primary goal of the festival as a starting point for their mission.
“We are here to support the community and to bring attention to the need to empower people as far as the food apartheid is concerned.”
PanAfrican Connection: panafricanconnection.com
May’s Amazing Creation: for customers, maysamazingcreations@gmail.com
Sistas Ministry, Inc: donations and info, sistasinc3.org
Update: Article has been edited to reflect the correct year of Mike Brown’s death.
