Juneteenth

Juneteenth came and showed out. I had a booth at Do It For The Culture’s Juneteenth Block Party again this year. I am happy to report it was absolutely worth it. Despite a venue change from the Waikiki Shell to Aloha Stadium in Aeia, it proved to be such a good time. Yes, that black asphalt was hot hot, but the wind provided ample chill to make it bearable. 

The crowd was gorgeous as usual.  Seeing those beautiful shades of brown striding about did the necessary soothing to my soul. The music was faultless hitting all the right notes at all the right moments.  The performances were meaningful and fun.  It seems obvious that the organizers put a great deal of effort in curating music, entertainment, and even food that speaks to the myriad colors and expressions manifested by the people of the African diaspora.  My kids especially appreciated the inclusion of the booth for the restaurant “Ethiopian Love.”  Nawlins, Jamaican, and Black American Southern cuisines were there and had the lines illustrating clearly how they had most definitely put their foot in that food.  I had a

 peach cobbler from Taylor Made Cobbler that was neither too sweet nor too tart with some vanilla ice cream. It was the closest thing I have had in years to that dessert tasting even a little bit like my grandmother’s. Hats off to Taylor Made Cobbler for real! 

Once again Do It For The Culture has shown that creating a space for the community of black and brown folks on Oahu to show up as their full selves is a priority, and one in which they take very seriously.  Thank you for a great time.