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Radical Self Care: How Are You Honoring Juneteenth?
June 16, 2023, Jasmin Robinson
Two years since being recognized as a national holiday, Juneteenth remains one of the most significant federal holidays to be enacted and celebrated in a while. Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” marks the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved Africans in 1865. In 2021, NPR shared an important piece outlining the history and significance of Juneteenth. Check it out on NPR: Juneteenth: What It Is and How It Is Observed.
As for me, I’m sharing how I plan to honor Juneteenth…
I plan to do nothing but turn off all notifications and rest. That’s it. R-E-S-T!
My ancestors fought hard for their freedom. And while work still needs to be done to address inequities impacting Black people and other folx of color, on Monday June 19th, 2023, I will honor my ancestors with radical self-care in the form of rest.
As the powerful queer Black woman activist, writer, and scholar Audre Lorde boldly stated, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” And as a Black woman facilitating important work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, I will enjoy the beauty of doing nothing.
I encourage other Black folx to do the same. For our allies, I hope you find a way to honor this day in a way that serves the advancement and psychological safety of your Black and Brown peers in your respective communities and workplace.
How are you celebrating Juneteenth?
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About Jasmin Robinson
As Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives with The Association, Jasmin Robinson is part of the team working on DEI in animal welfare spaces. Jasmin is a consultant, educator, and equity thought partner with over 12 years of professional experience. She primarily supports higher education institutions, k-12 schools, and nonprofit organizations with diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic planning, program development, trainings, and facilitation. Jasmin is a certified qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, LLC. In addition, she is a member of the Illinois Diversity Council (ILDC), Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE). Jasmin is completing a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, and her research interest include Black women experiences in historically white spaces, anti-Blackness, and cultural competence. In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys cooking, walking, thrifting, and brunch spots in the Chicagoland area.
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