EARLY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

06/16/18

Juneteenth started early for me this year! I celebrated with my family and surrounded myself with culture, history, and some good 'ol brisket! 

On Saturday, I visited the Lott Canada School and the American Legion Post Hall; both of these historically marked buildings hold a massive amount of significance in the hearts of the black community in Bee County. 

The Lott-Canada School

The Lott Canada School was the first segregated, African American school in Bee County and began in 1876. The first school building was destroyed by a fire in 1929. In 1931, the new school was built and named after Mose Lott and Allen Canada (my triple Great Grandfather), the carpenters who built the original building. The Lott-Canada School closed down in 1964 once Beeville schools began to integrate and Lott Canada students started to attend A.C. Jones High School and the elementary school in 1955. 

American Legion Post No.818

The American Legion Post No.818 was named for an African American man named Charles H. Lytle; he was a U.S. navy serviceman and the first black man from Beeville to be killed in WWII. During segregation, the post served as a meeting place for the black community of Beeville. African American students that attended A.C. Jones High School ditched their school prom and held their own at the American Legion hall; Lott-Canada grads used the post to hold their proms until 1963. Now, the American Legion is under the ownership of the Lott-Canada Alumni Association for reunions and other events.

OOTD

During the day time, I decided to show pride in my campus organization, Me-lationship by wearing one of our t-shirts. My godmother, Kela (@littlebitboujee on instagram) actually makes all of the Me-lationship merchandise; she makes them in all different shades, styles, and sizes. A portion of the proceeds goes to the organization for event funding, so I 10/10 recommend purchasing some gear! I got a ton of support and encouragement from my family and friends about this platform! I am so excited for it to bloom!

OOTN

After my history lesson, I got jazzed up for the party at the American Legion Hall. I’m gonna be honest with you, I planned this outfit WEEKS ahead and postponed it often, but I’m glad I saved it just for this event! It truly set the “black excellence” vibe this weekend. My pro-black pins. My “women rule” shirt. My big, red fro. This was a LOOOOOOK, honey! 

Overall, I had a superb weekend and I can’t wait to go back and celebrate with my family again for the reunion! 

If you celebrate Juneteenth, I hope that you eat as much barbecue and pop as many firecrackers as you’d like! Be proud of your heritage and show pride in who you are.

Stay tuned for more looks!

 Much love, 

Janaya