Why Do YOU Juneteenth?
“It’s a yearly reminder of a daily commitment to love and uplift black people and their liberation. I love us.”
-Simone Ruskamp, Co-Founder of Juneteenth SB
“To bring understanding and make a healthier life for the next generation of Black residents.”
-Jordan Shingle-Killebrew, Co-Founder of Juneteenth SB
“To honor my ancestors.”
-Courtney Walton, Juneteenth SB Community Organizer
“To remember the past and actualize my ancestors' wildest dreams.”
-Kelli Rugless, PsyD
“Today, I’m honored to be a virtual participant in Santa Barbara’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Day Celebration commemorating
the countless contributions made by African Americans of the past and present of this Nation.”
-Rita Madlock, Monkey Tails Intelligent Exercise
"I celebrate because I'm proud of my Black identity and that there's another opportunity to celebrate & recognize Blackness other than the month of February. I'm touched deeply by this commemoration of freedom from bondage."
-Dominic King
“I am enmeshed in both experiencing and sharing the full spectrum of a Black life.
Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate that experience with people that
listen, engage, and uplift.”
-Brandon Scott, Comfort Food
“I celebrate to honor the past & to envision a new future that truly respects & affirms the beauty of diversity within Black culture. May we also remember the many intersecting layers & factors that play into this day as well.”
-Jordan Laband
“To celebrate and uplift Black communities. In the continued age where Black folks are targeted and persecuted just for living, it's important to support pro-Black spaces.”
-York Shingle-Killebrew
“To amplify Black voices. To refocus the historical lens. For truth and reparations. Because Black history matters.”
-Rachel Johnson