As we recognize & celebrate Juneteenth, we’re honored to share a thought-provoking video created by Joico Global Technical Director, Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers. Come see how our pro mindfully celebrates Juneteenth – the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. — with her own family.
“We focus on our humanity as Black people. All we have endured and continue to endure.” – Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers
Meet Joico Global Technical Director Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers…
With 20+ years’ experience in hairstyling, coloring, and extensions under her belt, Chicago- based Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers is a Certified Master Colorist and Texture Expert, who’s racked up nominations for some of the beauty industry’s most coveted awards. As a celebrated color- transformation specialist, Jeannetta has a mission that’s perhaps even nearer and dearer to her heart – a passion for education, and a dedication to teaching hairstylists across the globe how to be technically excellent in ALL types of hair artistry.
Together we visited the place where it happened: an important journey…
“News of freedom for those enslaved did not spread fast [after the Emancipation Proclamation]. Enslaved people in the Texas region did not know they were free until 1865, when the proclamation was made in Galveston by union soldiers,” explains Jeannetta, who is committed to teaching her daughters the importance of mindfully observing Juneteenth. And this year, she had a brilliant idea. “What better way to learn about history than to go to Galveston, TX; the very place where this happened!”
“We stayed all day to partake in food, culture, architecture, and history. We also explored Black American art from the United States and the Diaspora,” says Jeannetta. “It is important that my children learn the history of their ancestors. If our ancestors had not survived the middle passage, chattel slavery, Jim Crow, the civil rights movement, and ire happening in recent years, we would not be standing here.”
Juneteenth, explained…
“Juneteenth – June 19, 1865 – was the day Union soldiers enforced President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas. It was two months after the South’s official surrender in the Civil War and two and a half years after the proclamation went into effect. Also called Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth evolved from a Texas celebration (where it’s an official state holiday) to a celebration of the end of slavery throughout the United States” – Heritage.org*
Watch Jeannetta’s personal video…
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For more information on Juneteenth, check out these resources:
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