In celebration of Juneteenth, Hypebae‘s in-house (S)expert honors her favorite examples of Black love.
The celebration of Juneteenth was not publicly recognized as a holiday until the most recent years, yet we owe our freedom to that very day. For those unfamiliar, Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the day that Black Texans receive the message from General Gordon Granger that they were emancipated. However, they didn’t receive that message until two years after.
An aspect of the Black experience that’s often overlooked, is the lack of love that time forced Black people to endure. Our children were stripped from us, our agency nonexistent and even our lovers were forced to work and live for other families. Instead of community, we were only allowed to have experiences that we were told we could have.
That’s why the celebration of Black love on Juneteenth is important. The removal of love within our culture is something that we still endure the after-effects of. As a result, it’s important to highlight Black love every chance we get, and normalize its beauty.
Here are some of our favorite examples of Black love.
Michelle Obama and Barack Obama
The first Black Family that needs no introduction. This was the first mostly respectful display of Black love on a political level, as many still struggled to wrap their head around the concept of Blackness and love coexisting — especially, in a position of power. The U.S. has since experienced worsening racism, if any doubts see Donald Trump’s presidency and January 6, however, one relationship has withstood it all: the Obamas.
Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade
Despite going viral every week for their controversial views on fair relationships, this pair is a great example of two independent lovers coming together to raise an inclusive family — word to Zaya Wade‘s beautiful evolution.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
The OG “Fashion Killas,” this couples love story has been in motion for years now. They recently just had baby number one, who they honored their music roots through naming him RZA. They’ve sparked a number of think pieces on gender roles within family, and even redefined maternity fashion. And clearly, the pair is reveling in their love because Rihanna is almost ready to welcome baby number two.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z
Although the Bey hive isn’t fond of their icon’s marital choice, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been down for each other since “Crazy In Love,” and now, we see Jay-Z at every Renaissance tour show cheering his wife and daughter on. Cue Blue Ivy performing in the same city her parents conceived her in — TMI, but beautiful nonetheless.
Ciara and Russell Wilson
Cue “Ciara’s Prayer,” by Summer Walker. This celebrity couple notoriously went viral after Ciara revealed she met the love of her life, through prayer — a controversial note for many. This relationship comes after a publicly abusive dynamic with ex-partner, Future. Since ending the toxic relationship, she’s been happier than ever with her husband Wilson.
Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson
After revealing her baby bump on Saturday Night Live, Palmer slowly let the world in on her relationship and we learned they actually met on set of Insecure. Shortly thereafter they welcomed baby boy, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, via Instagram. In the intimate post she synced the romantic song “Someone” by El Debarge which is perfect, seeing as they “became each other’s someone and made a someone, look at God! ?”
For more on love, sex and relationships, explore our advice column: Ask a (S)expert.
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