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Nuanced symbols of freedom that most of us are missing from the June flag

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There are a couple of things that black people love: coloured parties (often white), good cooking, and symbols of freedom/resistance. From the raised fist of “Black Power” to the North Star, symbolism continues to play a big role in Black history and culture, and this power carries over into Juneteenth celebrations as well.

Every 12 months since 1865, Black Americans have celebrated the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States on June 19, honoring the date when Galveston residents were belatedly informed that they were now free. Since then, Juneteenth celebrations have blossomed across the country, a lot so that in 2021, the Biden administration declared the day a federal holiday. While most Americans understand what Juneteenth symbolizes, one element of the holiday is usually neglected: the flag.

Since when has the June 16 flag existed?

In 1997, 80-year-old Ben Haith designed the Juneteenth flag, noting that the growing holiday had no symbol. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Haith created a flag that draws inspiration from each the American flag and his ancestor’s journey to freedom.

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“There are so many spiritual aspects to this country and I think this flag has that character,” Haith said, explaining the idea behind the flag: in response to CNN. “(The project idea) just came to me.”

The Juneteenth flag consists of 4 important symbols: the star, its explosion, the arc and the colours. According to Haith, symbolismthe large white star in the center of the flag is double. On the one hand, he represents the Lone Star State of Texas, where the last enslaved black people gained their freedom. On the other hand, it’s a greater symbol of freedom for black people in all 50 states.

The star outline is a striking illustration inspired by the appearance latest astronomical, reflecting a brand new starting for Black Americans in Galveston after emancipation. Similar to the American flag, Haith’s background design features the colours red and blue, separated by a curved arc that extends the full length of the flag to reflect latest horizons of hope and possibility for Black people.

“It’s an important symbol of unification that people can wrap themselves around,” said Steve Williams, president of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation Boston Globe. “It doesn’t deny (Black people’s) place in America; is an example of this.”

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Why don’t you see this as often?

Marcus Garvey’s Black Liberation Flag (photo: Adobe Stock)

While some recognize Haith’s Juneteenth flag design, most have turn into accustomed to seeing variations of the Pan-African flag during Juneteenth celebrations. Among the most popular projects is the activist Marcus Garvey’s 1920 Black Liberation Flag, which, unlike the official Juneteenth flag, has a color palette of red, green and black. A unifying symbol of Black freedom across the diaspora, Garvey’s design has been utilized in several Black liberation movements, including the Black Panther Party and the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Does it look familiar?

In addition to an identical color palette, the official Juneteenth flag somewhat resembles the flag of Haiti. In 1804, Haiti became the first free Black Republic, gaining independence from French colonizers. The abolition of slavery was a milestone that inspired black liberation movements around the world.

Juneteenth flag, what does the Juneteenth flag look like?, Why are there two flags on Juneteenth?, What is the blue and red flag on Juneteenth?, Who created the Juneteenth flag?, Juneteenth flag Ben Haith, Haitian flag, Black Liberation theGrio .com
Haiti flag (photo: Adobe Stock)

“Haiti became a beacon for the people of the Americas, especially those of African descent, as a nation that fought against slavery and for equality. The Haitian Revolution inspired uprisings and founded Black-ruled cities and towns in Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and the U.S., among others,” explained Taylor Healey-Brooks, resident librarian in the Latin America, Caribbean and Europe Division. according to the Library of Congress. “People often think of Haitians immigrating to the United States, but there was a time when black Americans immigrated to Haiti. For many African Americans in the early 19th century, Haiti represented black freedom and the opportunity to thrive in a country that believed in equality.”

Whether you are a fan of the Juneteenth flag’s color palette or not, its intentional design and connection to international liberation movements remind us of how interconnected the black diaspora is in the fight for freedom and equality.

In the words of Maya Angelou: “The truth is that none of us can be free until all are free.”

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Lifestyle

“Oshun and me” is the oda to the braids and history of afro

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At a time when black and marginalized groups are attacked, Adiba Nelson drops a book for youngsters, which strengthens black aesthetics and identity. The creator of Afro-Latin does it through the eyes of Yadyra, a young girl who invites young readers during a natural hair journey :. It starts with the ritual that her hair is intertwined and spare on Sunday. Yadira defines this process and is concerned with the Cowrie shell, which her mother uses as decorations. What is developing is a cultural and historical dialogue between mother and daughter. The conversation beautifully reproduces the mythology of the African traditional religion practiced in Black Latin culture – against the background of equally beautiful illustrations created by Alleanna Harris.

History continues when Yadira goes to school. The young girl is beautifully intertwined and with beads, but she wonders if she’s going to fit and make friends.

You cannot ignore care and integration displayed on this text.

The muffled but visual topic in the book is the disability of Yadira – he sits in a wheelchair when he wraps his hair and uses an infantry when he arrives in school.

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According to research conducted by the Children’s Book Center, only 3.4% of kid’s books presents a disabled child as the foremost character. This number it contrasts sharply from thE 29.2% of kid’s books with animals as the foremost characters.

In weaving on this often ignored reality, in such a way, he shows young readers who move the disabled that they’re seen, that they matter, they are literally normal. He actually causes a conversation amongst disabled children and in the surroundings, and children are concerned with disability.

Yadira fights with school and makes a couple of discoveries. She is full of confidence that her mother gave her and armed with an Afro-Latina pride that runs through her heritage.

It ends with the creator’s letter and a scheme of woven hairstyles.

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This story is an excellent reading for youngsters three and older. It was published on January 25 and will be found on the shelves of your favorite black bookstores and online from black bookstores.

(Tagstotransate) braids

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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From aunt to mummy, associated with Matster Metster Men about motherhood

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The journey of each woman to motherhood is different. While the eyes of some women are illuminated on the considered the name “mommy”, for others, the concept of ​​getting pregnant could appear overwhelming – and even terrifying. Recently, Meagan Good has opened on how she was certainly one of these women.

In an interview with Scott Evans, Okay revealed that it took her summer to reach the purpose where she was ready to be a mother. So much that when her sister, Good-Bellinger La’myia, told her that she was pregnant with her first child, the star “Harlem” admitted that her response was not the perfect. By playing the conversation she had with her 35-year-old sister, the actress reminds her of her 33-year-old self, saying: “Wow … you are pregnant … Why?”

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“At first I thought:” Wait, huh? “Because it is such a huge commitment. I mean that all your life will change, it will never be the same … as if you really were an adult, “he continued, remembering her conversation with his sister.

Her response, although not a typical response to the announcement of pregnancy, is hilarious. The idea of ​​motherhood could be intimidating, introducing drastic changes – from physical changes to health challenges, adaptation of mental health and a very latest lifestyle. The considered moving around this could be discouraging.

For good hesitation got here for fear of losing freedom.

“I think there was fear that life will change during the world day and I like to travel so much and I just like to jump so much, be free and do my job,” she said, explaining how her eager for freedom is concentrated by being a toddler and it was said them, what to achieve this long. “Then, when you finally get your freedom, by that time you are almost adult by (who) with all these adults, so (when it comes to making some of these adults, I thought” let me wait, because simply because I just wait I had the chance to be a toddler and an adult. ”

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The good perspective about motherhood began to change before she met her fiance, actor Jonathan Majors, but their relationship strengthened her readiness.

“I am ready now because I have fun with him and because I know that this will not happen to the Earth Day,” she said. “I know that I and he will be here (or) … in Africa (or) wherever it is. I just know that even if we don’t move much … really, I really love the way we live (together). ”

Meagan good conversations about the relationship with Jonathan Majors:

Now, excited by the transition from “Aunt” to “Mummy”, the nice predicts the longer term wherein she is married, raising two children (her seemingly independent negotiations), traveling all over the world and still makes a big contribution to the entertainment industry.

“I want women in their forties to the late 1940s. Only because we are aging, it does not mean that we cannot do all things and we should, if we want and (we should) be completely entitled. And also do not try to be 20 or 30 years old, or exactly who we are in this space. ”

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(Tagstranslat) black motherhood

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Lifestyle

Did you know that the first black textile mill stands in NC?

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Warren Clay Coleman


In 1900, Warren Clay Coleman was recognized as “the richest black man in America” ​​after opening the first black and operated textile factory in the United States, which He remains to be standing todayAccording to reports

Coleman loved textiles and opened the store in 1897 at Concord, North Carolina, just before Charlotte. Born in slavery in 1849, Coleman used his skills to create a chance for many who looked like him, because at that time black people couldn’t work in mills belonging to white people, reminiscent of John Odell, James Cannon and others ” With the exception of very work, in line with the creator of Norman McCullough, Sr. Who wrote“Warren Clay Coleman: Leader of the first black textile mill in America.

The mill has grow to be popular amongst other black dignitaries, reminiscent of a historian and activist for civil rights of Web Dubois. He included photos of the mill at an exhibition emphasizing black progress in the USA at the exhibition in Paris 1900.

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In addition to the 196,000 square foot mill, he provided the essential resources for its 300 employees by constructing Price Temple Church, currently referred to as Price Memorial Ame Zion. He also built 100 houses for the team and a 17-hectare cemetery.

However, some successes were short -lived as a consequence of high cotton prices causing Coleman’s financial difficulties. The white cotton merchant took over the management for a relief, later employing white employees. After the death of Coleman in 1904, the white philanthropist Washington Duke bought a mill during the sale of a sheriff for less than USD 10,000. However, the century and a number of years later Coleman’s heritage lives when the mill stands nowadays in the Logan district, a historically black community.

In 2022, the property was transformed into inexpensive apartments as a consequence of the partnership with the developer based in Winston-Salem Sari and an organization called Coleman Mill Apartments. Immediately a breakthrough received a whole lot of holiday makers who stopped and took pictures of a board honored with Coleman in the essential constructing. Many years earlier, in 2015, Coleman and Młyn received national recognition, listed in the National Register of Historical Places, in accordance with.

The descendant of Coleman, his great -great -grandfather, Rodney Smith, says that there may be at all times a way of pride when he goes on a landmark. “Every time I go to the Coleman toilet, I feel proud of what he achieved and gave in the area of ​​Concord,” said Smith.

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“My children saw his photos, and Karolina Mall has a picture of his hanging. Every time my children pass, especially my son, says: “It’s my uncle.”

Part of the US 601 was named Warren C. Coleman Boulevard in 2001. Smith’s brother, Michael, hoped that when mentioning the property in the national register, it might be released from tear in the future.

(Tagstranslate) Concord

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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