CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, which is being celebrated across the state Saturday.
What You Need To Know
Second Annual Juneteenth Block Party co-hosted by Sesa University
Using it as an opportunity to grow forward and educate
International Community Warehouse created a community garden to feed neighborhood
One North Carolina woman is making it her goal not to dwell on the past and use the day as an opportunity to teach.
Riziki Zafira El is hosting the Second Annual Juneteenth Block Party in Charlotte, and says she’s hopeful the party will serve as a day to help Black-owned businesses prosper while also celebrating and educating the meaning of the day.
“I am definitely my ancestors' wildest dreams. I feel very empowered and I’m proud of myself, I’m proud of us, I’m grateful,” El, host of the block party and founder of Sesa University, said.
El is a business woman, teacher and creator.
She wanted Saturday’s celebration to encourage young people and other local business owners.
“It just feels good to stand in our own power because we know we’re going to give to our community, so we’re in a position to give to our community and still feel abundant,” El said.
The celebration Saturday saw countless vendors coming together to encourage local Black-owned businesses.
Specifically targeting the youth with mentorship and education.
Jarrin Wooten, a former teacher, runs his own holistic program to fill the gaps he feels local youth missed out on.
“Teaching kids financial literacy, teaching them about meditation and mindfulness, food and nutrition, health and wellness. Just all of the things that the public school really had a little of a detriment at teaching our kids,” Wooten, owner and founder of Living Roots Holistic Health, said.
Wooten is hopeful that with Juneteenth now being a federal holiday kids will learn about the history in school.
“We just have to have the right proper education behind why it’s important and why it’s vital and also, what we need to do going forward as well. People have come a long way, but there is still a long way to go in a couple areas,” Wooten said.
“Juneteenth honestly means a celebration of moving forward. The theme for this year is unity, empowerment and progress,” El said.
Eln says that what differentiates this celebration from others is she wants to focus on growth within the community and building her neighbors up.
“Being able to reach our fullest potential through the different forms of educational opportunities that Sesa University provides as well as the wonderful people we’re partnering with,” El said.
The location they held the event at on Saturday is currently starting a community garden in the back to feed local families as well as teach young children how to grow their own foods.
You can find them on social media on their Facebook page.