 of Black joy, such as the essence of the Juneteenth experience, it is our genuine independence day, and it is open to everyone who shared its mission, enjoying and perpetrating freedom, especially the freedom of African people that were denied by last law and Lynch wrote for hundreds of years. Aloha, welcome to Sister Power. I'm Sharon Thomas Yarbrough, and our special guest who are celebrating Juneteenth with Sister Power is Rashara Knight and Daphne Power Barbie Wilton. Welcome Queens to Sister Power. Thank you. Yeah, we were talking earlier, Queens, you know, Juneteenth. It's Juneteenth 2020 celebration, and still I rise. And I want to start with you, Rashara, tell us a little bit about yourself. Well, thank you first. Thank you so much for having me on. I just want to say her spirit. Ms. Sharon's spirit is so warm. When I met her, she immediately embraced me with, Oh, you look wonderful. How are you doing? Let's change information. That is the kind of love and the spirit I feel like we're entering into with this Juneteenth weekend coming up. I want to keep that energy going. So I am a native of Syracuse, New York. And I settled here in Hawaii about five years ago. The intention was to do clinical social work. And since then I've also moved into real estate with Hawaii life. I've been in most of my time here enjoying this beautiful island, enjoying the great food and meeting people like these two ladies. Wonderful. Daphne, tell us a little bit about yourself. Well, you're a veteran here but my name is attorney Daphne Barbie Wooten. I'm a lawyer. I specialize in civil rights. I've been here since. You don't want to know or I don't want to tell you. I'll just say I've been here a long, long time. And I am looking forward to celebrating Juneteenth this year because President Biden made it an official federal holiday. So a lot of federal workers, all of them actually have off on Monday, although Juneteenth is on the 19th. And I, as I was telling you just going to the post office and seeing that big sign saying we're closed for Juneteenth. It just gives you such a joy. It really does because they're celebrating the holiday that wasn't recognized for many years. And so now everybody's understanding the importance of true freedom, not just freedom for some, but freedom for everybody. That's a feel good sign right there. We're sure we're on a personal note. What does Juneteenth mean to you? Again, in Syracuse, our Juneteenth was such a big thing. And I didn't really understand the significance of it to be honest with you. It was just only getting older and more exposure. She understood the importance, but our community, we would have our local community center. We have a talent show, dancers, steppers, food vendors, it would be quite just a celebration of black liberation. And that's what I grew up experiencing. So when I moved out of my hometown, it was really a surprise to go to places where there wasn't a Juneteenth celebration. So that's why I'm so happy this year in particular. Every day, coming up to Juneteenth, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and even on Monday, there's an opportunity for everyone to be involved in the celebration. And I know that it's a celebration for black people, but this is really an American celebration. We should all be happy about this form of slavery and bondage that it is in our history. So we need to get together as a community. This is a wonderful time to celebrate. It is Daphne, attorney Daphne Barbie. What is Juneteenth? Let's tell the newcomers and the people who are not familiar about Juneteenth. What is Juneteenth and why is it important? Well, it's based upon an actual historical event on June 19. And that has to do with, after the Civil War, as many people know, President Lincoln did the Emancipation Proclamation saying that all slaves were free in the southern states. Interesting it was, you know, towards the southern states, which is ridiculous, but what can I say? Anyway, so Texas was the last state to acknowledge the Emancipation Proclamation and to knowledge that slavery was prohibited in the United States. And what happened is that they kept going business as usual, trying to keep slavery as legal. And the United States Army from the north had to march into Texas. Texas June 19, 1865, right after the Civil War, until all enslaved people that they were indeed free, they did not have to work for no wages. And slavery was prohibited in the United States. So that's why we celebrated as the true freedom day because, as we know, the fourth of July was for, was not for women, and was not for African Americans not for Native American. It was for white men. And so that's why Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionists gave a speech about your fourth of July, I don't celebrate it's not for me, it's not for the slave, you know, because we're not free. So now we have a national holiday, which celebrates true freedom, you know the abolishment of slavery. You know, Juneteenth is a day to remember America's past recognize the resilience and strength of black people and celebrate the progress we have made. So we're Shahra. What is your opinion on how we can support local black businesses. I think we need to be intentional and deliberate about how we spend our dollars, understanding that the way that we spend our money. It pours into the success of another black family, how they feed clone and house their families when you buy into their businesses. So when you find a business that you like, you know, don't just talk about it. You can spend your money with them, share with other people so that they can spend their money with them. And even though the business maybe buy a black person, if it's a good service, or a good, it can be used by everyone. And I know you probably have seen it so many times online, a new business, there'll be so so much hype around it right. Oh you got to try this place and there might be a line around the corner. There's the same sort of energy when it comes to black businesses, and places like you know black Hawaii online, the poem project, black was our, they're always telling you about opportunities to point to black businesses. So I feel like you take our money they're understanding that it can go a long way, and to help, you know, get that liberation that we're talking about now, we have that freedom from physical bondage, and now we're moving on to the financial freedom by pouring into our black businesses. And so, how is the real estate now. Well, I think everyone's a little bit nervous now, and I think just because if you know the news does it that way they, they put out information about the rates economy, you know they have all these big red flag words that make people worry. But if you're someone who's been planning and preparing to buy or sell before you decide to hold your plans make sure you speak to someone to see if that's the right decision for you, because home ownership and I just want to note to June is also a national home ownership month. So we want to promote black homeowners, and you know, not just outside investors coming in and renting to us, but that we're owning a piece of something that's really invaluable. Yeah, you know, we Juneteenth, it's going to start Saturday June 18, and it's going to be at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday June 18 from 12 to 4pm, and that's where we usually celebrate. What I am enjoying about this Juneteenth as well, Daphne is the African American Lawyers Association and Sisters in Park Hawaii, along with a while who Democrats. We have a twist to our Juneteenth, where we are honoring is an honor of Justice Patanji Brown Jackson, and you know you're an attorney. You've know what she has gone through and is going to go through and she's going to be sworn in soon. Just tell us a little bit about the experience that will happen on Sunday. Which happens to be Father's Day. And it's also Juneteenth Day. Now, Patanji Jackson, Patanji Brown Jackson is the very first African American female to be on the United States Supreme Court in 233 years. It's about time. And frankly, I think she should have been appointed a while back before. But it's just something to be celebratory about to be so proud about. It's a historic and historic moment. And so this Juneteenth, we will be celebrating her. Breaking the glass ceiling on the United States Supreme Court. And as we know, that, you know, just to have somebody out there, sends a message to all Americans that we are a country that's inclusive, not exclusive, because for many years, America was segregated and had legal apartheid systems. So her arrival says this is going to be a new era. And we're going to reach the sky. So if you don't mind I wrote a little poem I'm going to read it at the Juneteenth event and I'll be real quick it's not a long one, but she just inspires me at all of the African American countries. Some people just cried which he got up. He has just cried because you can feel it in the air. But anyway, let me get back to my quick poem for Katanji Brown Jackson. African Egyptian goddess of justice has arrived. She is mother of two daughter, wife, showing anything is possible. Reach for the stars and beyond. She's a thinker, a doer, a writer of words that matter. A lawyer, a judge, brown skin, corn roll, proud justice of the United States Supreme Court. Maa arrives, and we are ready for Justice Katanji Brown Jackson. Yay, that was beautiful. So what is written? I'm beaming right now. I'm so excited about, you know, our history, and we're acknowledging one another. We're sure I want to come to you. You know, Juneteenth begs us to reflect and improve. What advice would you give to promote home ownership? Let me first say that you shouldn't think of it as this long, far off goal for you. I know when I had the opportunity to buy my home, I was very nervous because I thought I needed this 20% down. And really it was like, oh, you wait till you're older and you have mayor, you marry and you have children. It was like this idea somewhere else. And then my friend says to me, I want to just meet with her, just meet with her. And she looked over my finances and said, I think you can buy right now. I was so shocked. And when I tell you that it has changed the course of my life, what I've been able to do with the purchase, because I was able to use the equity in my home to take care of other people in my family. I think that I never would have been able to do had it not been, you know, had it not purchased. So I do encourage you to not think of it as a far off goal. And even if you're not ready right now, like maybe because of the market or your finances, sit down with someone and come up with a plan, because it is really important to own a piece of something that you can pass on to your family, or you can build on. Good advice, good advice. Daphne, you have had many experiences in the criminal justice system. I should say in the legal system. So, what would you, what would be your advice to black men and women on their new journey in the legal system. Observing keep, you know, keep going forward. Of course, you're going to have a lot of obstacles. That's life, you know, many people have obstacles, but you just keep going, keep pushing. Don't take no, if you lose a case appeal, because you may win on appeal. And sometimes that happens. And just keep pressing your point. If you're right, you're right. And take it all the way to the US Supreme Court, because we will have a new justice and she'll take it. And I just wanted to comment a little bit about home ownership. You know that in some parts of our country in the US, such as Evanston little noise, they have reparations for African Americans, which includes down payment from home ownership. Oh, I like that. And who's in Illinois that sounds like an excellent opportunity to remove at least one barrier to home ownership. Thank you so much. Power. Now it's just power. Richard, what challenges have you faced in being a black business woman here in Hawaii. I think probably some of the similar challenges that women have in general is that making their voice heard right and people taking you seriously about what you're doing. And unfortunately just being a woman in general feel like I've had people that were inappropriate just they had no intention on doing actual business with me but they still contacted me anyway. That's an unfortunate and unfortunate thing here, but I do feel like I've had a good network of people who see what you're doing they see your consistency. Like I said when I saw you, you're immediate like hey let me see how I can help you that sort of attitude so even though I've had some barriers, you know I still feel very optimistic about my potential here in Hawaii. Absolutely. Absolutely. This is, you know, I have I is the bus stop to heaven. And also, the sun kiss your skin every day is absolutely wonderful. So definitely. Let's talk about Sunday, which is what 10 days away. And this Juneteenth 2022 celebration, and it's from three to 5pm. Let's talk about the featured performances. It's in Cockackle Park in picnic area three. So guess what you can go to the Juneteenth's invention three to five, and afterwards you can body surf at Point Panic. So anyways, it's a winner. It's our take your dad to point panic and body board. But at any rate, yes, we're going to have a drumming. We're going to have poetry. We're going to have some speakers. In fact, the Chief Justice of Hawaii Spring Court will be there honoring Katanti Brown Daxon, as well as there's been to a couple new African American judges that have been in Hawaii they've been appointed by the Chief Justice, and we also have retired Judge Sandra Sims who will be there to give a little speech. And we have singers as singers that will be singing some songs. So to be entertaining you do have to bring your own chair because it is outside at the park, or, or a mat, and your own food picnic, no alcohol because it's a city park. And it should be really fun. I'm looking forward to that. You know, a variety of people that will be talking and singing and drumming. We're gonna have a good time. It's a beautiful place. I mean, this brings the entire family to on Sunday to kaka Aka Park, because we have of the poet Ava be beaming is going to read. We have Dr. Catherine Wardell Takara, and still I rise. We're gonna have Dr. Deborah Butler who will be singing. So this is the place to be you can do Saturday at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and come right over to to kaka Aka Park. And, you know, the sunset is beautiful. The backdrop is the ocean. You know, cool. I tell you, this Juneteenth Sunday is going to be one of the most beautiful Juneteenth scenery. This is the place to be. So let's talk about the colors and the meaning of the Juneteenth flag. Does anybody want to jump in and talk about the Juneteenth colors are red, green and black and the significance of the colors. I can. You know, the red is for the blood. Let's struggle. The green is for the land real estate. And black is for the color of the skin. So it's freedom. It's also the color of many African flags, for example, Ghana, red, black and green. Yeah, you know, the black stands for rich black culture. This color also represents melanin and African diaspora unification. It's just, this is going to be such a wonderful feel good weekend. And everyone should celebrate Juneteenth. Everyone should celebrate. It's for everyone. Please come out and join us. And as Daphne said earlier, bring your mat, bring your water. It's only from three to five. We have some very prestigious speakers on that day. And you want to celebrate, bring your dad, bring the family. And I want to come to you with Sharon. Who inspires you. Mama, I sent you a picture of my mom, because I want to include she's a small business owner in Syracuse, New York. She has a food truck there. The soul food extension, but my mother is like the definition of resilience and commitment. She's her biggest cheerleader and the way that she approaches her work, the passion, and the people that are loyal to her because they see she has a purpose for what she's doing. She is my inspiration and when I'm feeling a little bit shaky about how things are going one you know I know she's going to send a record to me, you know, and that's important for me, but I know that my mother's going to encourage me and I see it in the way that she lives so that is that's my inspiration my mom Mercedes in Syracuse. I love that I know I miss my mother. Definitely who inspires you. Well, of course, the most recent one is Katanti Brown Jack. I have to keep her name left and right. I want to put it out there so everybody knows that because it's such a historic and historic change in our government. I was inspired by a lot of different people. When I was in college it was Angela Davis, Dr Angela Davis. And so I took philosophy courses but then I ended up in law school, because you know philosophy is really good you write books and you become a professor but you can also do more with law because then you're practicing, you're practicing your philosophy and real life matters. My father, of course, was not one of my inspirations he was an attorney and civil rights litigator as well. And, of course, my mother, they both have passed. But there's a lot of people take inspiration from a lot of people, people you don't know can inspire you deeply. Absolutely. Absolutely, you know I was reading about the grandmother of Juneteenth. And she's the one that fought for Juneteenth celebration, and she's in her 80s almost in her 90s now. And so we are on our day of Juneteenth, we're going to honor a few of the living. And so the legends here in Hawaii, you know, for instance, Faye Kennedy, a Marsha Joyner fought for the Martin Luther King holiday, and Jerry Lange and we're just going to be a fun time. And definitely I'm going to come back to you and before we close, Rashaar. How has being a black woman affected this experience. It has affected the experience in many ways. I'm actually very proud of being a woman of color and black. You know, the deep rich history and the proud tradition of fighting for justice. I mean that's something that's really worthwhile in your life. Yeah, Rashaar, in closing tell us how is it effective you've only been living here in Hawaii with five years. And being in a community where there's not a lot of black people. Again, I have to be intentional about finding ways to stay connected to my culture. Also why embracing the Hawaiian culture right we're in someone else's land and they're in someone else's country, and really loving and enjoying that but also remembering that I'm a part of the you know the African diaspora. So it's really important to me to remember not to be too far removed from my black culture. Yeah, you know, African American history is American history. And this is something that we should always hold dear to our hearts. And so again, definitely let's talk about Sunday, let's refresh everyone's memory that about Juneteenth 2022 celebration. Yep, kaka I go part. Okay, that's where prank panic is and you know it's just a beautiful place you get to see the ocean you get to see the waves, sometimes even a whale, a whale tail. But mainly it's just to camaraderie to meet people to greet people and to celebrate a day of freedom. It is. And you know, I want to thank you Queens for sharing your wisdom and sharing your time with sister power. And I was telling you earlier before we came on camera for some reason this Juneteenth is filling my heart. It really is and I think because finally we're getting that acknowledgement that we so deserve. And so, thank you. We're sharp night and keep up the good work and your real estate. Also, thank you attorney Daphne Barbie Wooten. And I would like to leave this these few words with our sister power viewers. Our traditions connect us to our ancestors, keeping them alive in our hearts and every cell in our bodies. This week, reach out to a family member or tap into your memories and honor your lineage by upholding a family tradition. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you to come out Sunday. June 19 is celebrate Juneteenth 2022. I'm your host Sharon Thomas Yarbrough. Aloha. Thank you to us at think.kawaii.com. Mahalo.