June is a month of both legacy and celebration, including events for Summer Solstice, LGBTQIA+ Pride, Indigenous History, and Juneteenth. It is during this time of the year that we acknowledge our country’s history, its present state, and take time to listen, learn and grow.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated holiday that marks the first official day of freedom for all slaves. Although the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863, it wasn’t implemented in areas under Confederate control—until two years later—on June 19, 1865.
This means that at least 250,000 enslaved black people were still figuratively and literally chained by 250+ years of slavery for an additional two and a half years. Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation or Freedom Day, proclaimed freedom for all, once slavery in all states had finally ended. On June 17, 2021, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law recognizing it as a federal holiday.
Today, we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, honor history, and are reminded of our duty to ensure racial justice and equity.
At Fireforge, we create with passion and serve with enthusiasm—from the beer we brew and meals we make, to welcoming and respecting each guest who passes through our doors! Representation and inclusion are vital parts of our mission.
Texas-based Weathered Souls Brewing Co. created the Black is Beautiful initiative in an effort amongst the brewing community to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily, and to encourage diversity in our industry.
Fireforge is a participant because we strive to be a place where people come together to engage in and enjoy local culture, beer, food, live music, educational events and community activities. As a way to honor black history – past, present, and future – we have brewed our second batch of Black is Beautiful beer.
Proceeds from the sale of this beer will be donated to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in West Greenville. St. Anthony’s is a proudly diverse K3-5th grade school that inspires students to be humble and courageous life-long learners and prepares young people for lives of leadership and service.
Nearly 93% of students’ tuition is funded through scholarships. Since 1980, more than 98% of St. Anthony students have graduated high school and in recent years 100% go on to college. Learn more about St. Anthony’s.
Many thanks to Lauren Martorell, Fireforge team member & public school educator, for writing this celebratory piece.
Work Cited
Nix, Elizabeth. “What Is Juneteenth?”
HISTORY, 20 Apr. 2021,
www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth