Celebrating Juneteenth by Breaking Shackles


“Juneteenth may mark just one moment in the struggle for emancipation, but the holiday gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved Black Americans to the cause of human freedom.”

—Jamelle Bouie
Still Shackled

by Chiquitta W. Lesene of Shackle Free and RISE North Carolina

Juneteenth is recognized as the date that news of slavery’s end reached slaves in Texas and other southwestern states. However, we at Shackle Free, believe that slavery is still very much prevalent in other masked forms within our historically marginalized communities.

Slavery by way of inequity, disenfranchisement, pollution, teen pregnancy, teen crime, elder abuse, and the absence of resources. Systemic racism is plaguing our towns and communities. The result of these inequities contribute greatly to an uptick in gang-related deaths, without proactive measures being implemented by elected officials who can address these issues. Shackle Free prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for holistic wellness.

Why?

We speak the language of poverty. We understand it because we have lived it. Now we have the knowledge and resources to make a difference, and are prepared to take back our communities and our livelihood by all means necessary. This includes holding everyone from the top down accountable for the state in which we live, work, and play. Slavery is a long way from being forever over.

To learn more about Shackle Free and it's mission of community advocacy and outreach, click below!
Poetry for Equity
Celebrating Juneteenth with Black Poetry

In celebration of Juneteenth, we are offering this list of poems by Black poets to read in order to properly honor the gravity of the holiday. 
Bright Spots
The Buzz is an innovative tool and bright spot utilizing barber and beauty institutions to mitigate and communicate useful information to historically marginalized (chronically poor), BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), and rural (hard to reach) communities. 

Learn more below!
Resources and Tools for Equity
Communities RISE Together: Building Belonging and Civic Muscle Through Community Vaccine Mobilization

Rippel’s ReThink Health Initiative, one of the founding members of the Communities RISE Initiative, has summarized the RISE mission: reaching vaccinations and creating greater health equity.
Creating Shared Value to Advance Racial Justice, Health Equity, and Meaningful Action on Climate Change

This publication, being offered for free,
discusses creating health equity, the role of business in supporting vital conditions, and how advancing racial justice, health equity, and meaningful action on climate change.
Join the Conversation!
Keep Black Love Alive: Black Women Defining a Healthy 21st Century Forum

THURSDAY, JUNE 23rd, 12-1:30 PM EST

Join keynote speaker Harriet A. Washington, author of the critically-acclaimed book, Medical Apartheid for a conversation with distinguished thought-leaders in the fields of medicine, women’s studies, and social justice.
To mark World Refugee Day, performers at The Royal Academy of Music will be hosting a fundraising concert in support of the 30 Birds Foundation on the evening of 20th June 2022. 

This concert gala will include the actor Sir Simon Russell Beale, singers Mary Bevan MBE, Ian Bostridge CBE, pianist Malcolm Martineau OBE, Royal Academy Opera singer Wonsick Oh and pianist Aron Goldin.