Feature:
I Dream My Own Summer:
A Juneteenth Soundtrack
One of my main goals as idobi’s senior editor was to ensure the audience felt seen and represented in all aspects of the network. For the 2022 Juneteenth holiday, I curated a playlist to celebrate Black American artists and wrote an accompanying feature. Tying in different mediums and aspects of the network was something I always strived to do, to ensure maximum coverage potential and reach.
One of America’s most significant and joyous holidays, Juneteenth is upon us. It is a time to celebrate and commemorate Black American freedom, to learn and share America’s history, and to come together within our communities. Parades, picnics, and parties will take place around the country this weekend to mark June 19th’s importance in US history. Since its origins in Galveston, Texas in 1865, Juneteenth has been celebrated, upheld, and its message spread, becoming nationally recognized last year.
The fact it took over 150 years to become a federal holiday reminds us of how far we have still to go. So make sure to honor this Juneteenth by reading up on and reflecting on the systemic challenges BIPOC communities still face, by supporting the Black-owned businesses in your neighborhood, and by reaching out to your community and encouraging them to take action. Ask yourself what you’re doing to ensure we protect our collective freedoms and continue breaking boundaries—and remember, even the smallest step can keep us all moving forward.
“Ask yourself what you’re doing to ensure we protect our collective freedoms and continue breaking boundaries—and remember, even the smallest step can keep us all moving forward.”