Celebrate Freedom on Juneteenth
How to participate on this day of reflection and renewal
Dear Caregivers,
This week we celebrate the newest of Federal holidays, though the day has been observed in parts of the U.S. for more than 150 years. That holiday is Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of June 19th, 1865 when an officer and his Union Army troops read an order in Galveston, Texas that forced Texas enslavers to free their slaves -- something that had been required by the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier. From these origins the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day spread throughout the country.
As the Juneteenth.com website states, "Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time taken to appreciate the African American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities - as nothing is more comforting than the hand of a friend." It’s a time we can all renew our collective American spirit and sense of community. Read on to learn how you and your loved one can join in the observance.
Let The Music Flow:
Music is one of the most ancient forms of human communication and entertainment, and African American culture has played a huge role in musical trends for centuries. Listening to music has been shown to have mental health benefits as well. Here’s how to do music therapy with your loved one at home.
Fire Up Some Food:
Whether it’s an outdoor cookout, a pot luck family gathering, or just quietly breaking bread together, one of the great glues for relationships is sharing a meal. And while we are all used to eating three meals daily, it may actually be better for you and your loved one to eat more frequently. Find out more about the benefits of eating six small meals a day.
Build Your Caregiving Community:
While caregiving is a unique journey for everyone, there is a lot we can all learn from each other collectively as we go through our individual paths as caregivers. Knowing where to turn and learning from others with similar experiences can be hugely comforting. Here’s how to find your own caregiving village.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
— Desmond Tutu
