Happy Friday and Happy Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. In honor of the holiday, I’m sharing a few stories, people, and ideas to know about.

First, if you don’t know about Juneteenth, here’s a primer.

Enslavement comes in many forms. If you still haven’t read The Atlantic article “The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, I highly recommend. This story should be required reading for all high schoolers.

If you haven’t heard of this company, then I would like to introduce you to BlackCotton.Us, one of the last few black farmers actively growing cotton. This Instagram post explains who they are. I first learned about them when interior designer Neffi Walker used their cotton in her home, pictured below. And I was once again taken by the beauty of cotton as decor when Seana of Belly Baila also used cotton in her home – this time, by artist Erica Michele, and it’s gorgeous, as seen above.

Bon Appetit* has a story in its June/July issue about Dr. Howard Conyers, a rocket scientist who is tracing and documenting Black American history through BBQ. You can read the story here and follow Dr. Conyers here.

Not only are we celebrating Juneteenth this weekend, but it’s also Father’s Day. Here is an Instagram feed promoting Black fathers and their endeavors.

There are many ways to help make systemic change in this country and one way I’m helping is by getting out the vote. I’m currently volunteering with SwingLeft to phone bank ahead of primaries and other elections across the country. Check them out if this type of volunteer work interests you.

Happy Friday, happy Juneteenth, happy summer solstice, happy Father’s Day, happy everything!

* I’m well aware that Bon Appetit is a problematic reference these days (see here for reference), but I am linking to them anyway because the story they are telling is an important one and there are a number of writers at the magazine who need our support.