It's me, hi! What a month June has been. From the fantastic record-breaking month we've had here at When We All Vote with our amazing volunteers, to a heartbreaking affirmative action decision that will change the landscape of college admissions moving forward — this month has been one for the books.
Today I want to reflect on Juneteenth's impact on me this year. The diversity within the Black community has a wide range of perspectives and experiences — but for me, this year’s celebration opened up a Pandora’s box of questions. The biggest one was, “How am I showing up?” and the best answer I could come up with was “By being you.” As Black women, we sometimes think we have to be the end-all for everyone and everything, and if we aren’t, then what is our “worth”? But I’m here to tell you, all we need to do is continue tapping into the art of just being ourselves.
It's important to take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and what brings you fulfillment. Some people find their purpose through their careers, while others find it through their relationships or hobbies. Ultimately, your purpose should align with your passions and bring you a sense of meaning and satisfaction. You’re probably wondering how these reflections relate to Juneteenth; for me, it’s simple. Anytime we center Black joy and freedom, it presents a unique time for me to do some much-needed reflection.
As we head into the second half of the year, I challenge you, no matter how you identify, to reflect on what showing up looks like for you.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the things that have brought me joy throughout the month of June:
✅ The Age of Pleasure x Janelle Monae
✅ Quavo and Offset reuniting at the BET awards (we stan a reunion in the name of love)
✅ The Bear on FX (give Jamie Lee Curtis her things!)
✅ Seeing my garden bloom its first batch of grape tomatoes
✅ How to Talk to People podcast (check out the “What do we owe our friends” episode)
Here’s a quick snapshot 📸 of what you’ll find in this month's newsletter:
- SCOTUS’s big decisions
- When We All Vote x Drag Out the Vote: Your Vote is Your Voice
-
LGBTQIA+ Movie, TV, and Book Roundup
- When We All Vote’s Roots Picnic Takeover
- And more!
