What is Juneteenth?

What is Juneteenth and why does it need to be celebrated? Juneteenth dates back to 1865, and most people do not know about it. Juneteenth stands for June 19, the day the final slaves were actually freed in Texas, two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

The first celebration of Juneteenth happened on the one-year anniversary in 1866. These celebrations started in churches throughout Texas. By the 1920s and 1930s, this holiday spread throughout the southern states.

Due to COVID19 restrictions, celebrations will be limited this year. We can, however, honor this holiday by supporting African American owned businesses in the Charleston area. Thanks to Our Future West Virginia for help compiling this list of African American owned local businesses.

This Juneteenth, get out and shop local, responsibly wear your PPE and wash your hands!

Food & Drink

• Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill – Charleston
• Heavenly Flavored Cupcakes, Cobbler & Cookies – Charleston
• Zeganz Smoothie Shop – Charleston
• True Consignment Shop & Juice Bar – South Charleston
• Sumthin’ Good Soul Food – South Charleston
• Big Marv’s Kitchen & Grill – Dunbar
• Karubees Jamaican Restaurant – Dunbar

Salons, Barber Shops, & Beauty Suppliers

• She vs. Her Beauty Supply Boutique – Charleston
• Tray’s Barbershop – Charleston
• Upscale Barbers – Charleston
• Fab House Salon – Dunbar
• Boho Spa Unconditional Healing Center – South Charleston
• Hair on LOCKE – St. Albans

Retail

• Backstage Bodywear – Charleston
• NURC (Not Ur Roomates Closet) – Charleston
• Silhouette Boutique – Charleston
• The Boutique by B. Belle Events – Charleston

Arts & Entertainment

• Upscale Arts – Charleston
• Kidaroos – Charleston
• Fun Fitness Club LLC – Charleston