Embracing and elevating the talent of our Black American artists this month begins with a thoughtful chat with our brand-new superstar, Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers. When this texture pro is not in the salon creating genius hair looks (Jeannetta’s an absolute master in the art of healthy, shiny, bouncy hair) she’s focused on mindful family celebrations of Juneteenth – the now U.S. federal holiday. Jeannetta’s reflections about the significance of this day are important and powerful; come join us as we listen and learn….
“We focus on our humanity as Black people. All we have endured and continue to endure.” – Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers
Joico: Please tell us what Juneteenth means to you, and how you honor this day.
Jeannetta: “Juneteenth is a day of rest and celebration in my household. We give thanks to our ancestors. If it was not for our ancestors surviving the middle passage, chattel slavery, and Jim Crow, we would cease to exist. We do this by lighting white candles in their honor, cooking traditional soul food or BBQ meals, feeding them in a symbolic way, and just saying THANK YOU. This reflection is really deep, especially for our generation, as our parents lived through Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement.
Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, though many states do not acknowledge it. Despite this, our family and extended families will not work on Juneteenth. We spend time with our family, eat good, play cards, picnic, dance, alllll the feel-good things; activities we once were not allowed to partake in together as united families.
We focus on our humanity as Black people. All we have endured and continue to endure. The elders in the family tell their stories and their experiences to the younger generations; just celebrating where we’ve been, where we are now, and how we plan to keep going.
For more information on Juneteenth, check out these resources:
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