What Juneteenth Means to a Black Woman

For Black women, Juneteenth is not just a historical moment; it’s a day of self-empowerment.

A family portrait captures a heartfelt moment as three Black individuals stand closely together, wearing matching white shirts and expressing a sense of unity and strength.

Juneteenth is a day that carries immense weight for Black women. It is a celebration of freedom—a freedom delayed, hard-fought, and often questioned. For me, Juneteenth is a call to honor our ancestors, reflect on our journey and recommit to the struggle for justice, equity and healing.

To be Black and a woman in this world is to exist in a space of duality. It is to carry the joys of our culture while navigating a society that marginalizes our identities.

As Black women, we stand at the intersection of racism and sexism, fighting battles that are often overlooked or dismissed.

And yet, we persist.

Juneteenth is not just a historical marker; it is a love letter to ourselves, a reminder of our strength and a declaration of our right to thrive.

A Celebration of Resilience

Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the resilience of Black women. From the enslaved women who nurtured our ancestors in the harshest of conditions to the trailblazers breaking barriers today, our history is steeped in perseverance.

I think of the mothers who braided strength into our hair, the sisters who held us up in times of need and the friends who whispered words of encouragement when the weight of the world felt too heavy.

I think of the women who turned kitchens into sanctuaries, creating meals seasoned with love and hope, even when resources were scarce.

We have always been builders—of homes, communities and legacies. Juneteenth reminds us that our resilience is both a gift and a testament to our ancestors' sacrifices.

The Dual Fight

Juneteenth also calls us to acknowledge the dual fight Black women face against racism and sexism. As bell hooks eloquently described, we are often asked to stand behind others in their liberation while our own struggles are ignored.

The question lingers: Are Black women truly free?

Freedom is not just the absence of physical bondage. It is the ability to live without fear, to have our voices heard, and to be valued for who we are. Yet, Black women are too often silenced, overlooked or treated as an afterthought in both racial and gender equity movements.

Juneteenth is a reminder that our fight for freedom is ongoing. It is a call to center Black women in conversations about liberation and to challenge the systems that continue to oppress us.

Love, Legacy, and Liberation

To celebrate Juneteenth as a Black woman is to celebrate love—love for ourselves, our community, and our culture. It is also a time to reflect on the legacy we are building.

• Love: Juneteenth is an opportunity to honor the beauty, strength, and brilliance of Black women. It is a day to pour into ourselves and each other, creating spaces where we can be seen, supported, and safe.

• Legacy: We stand on the shoulders of giants. Every step we take toward liberation is a continuation of the work our ancestors began.

• Liberation: Freedom is not just a destination; it is a journey. As Black women, we have the power to redefine what freedom means for ourselves and future generations.

A Call to Action

On this Juneteenth, let us celebrate Black women—past, present, and future. Let us honor the lives of those who came before us and recommit to the fight for justice and equality.

Here’s how you can show your love and support for Black women:

1. Listen to Black Women: Truly hear us when we speak, without dismissing or diminishing our experiences.

2. Say Her Name: Acknowledge the specific challenges Black women face and amplify our voices in the fight for justice.

3. Celebrate Our Contributions: Recognize the ways Black women build, nurture, and lead our communities, often with limited resources.

4. Create Safe Spaces: Advocate for environments where Black women can show up authentically and thrive without fear.

My Juneteenth Love Letter

To my sistas: Juneteenth is ours. It is a day to honor the fullness of who we are and the journey that brought us here. It is a time to hold space for our pain, celebrate our victories, and dream of a future where we are truly free.

We are more than resilient—we are radiant.

We are more than survivors—we are creators.

On this day and every day, let us remember that our freedom, our joy, and our existence are acts of resistance.

P.S. Need an extra dose of inspiration and empowerment? Tune into the Space for Sistas® Podcast at www.spaceforsistas.com/podcast.