KNIGHT MOVES | Summer is here, not a moment too June

By Craig Knight

Summer is officially here! It’s already June, and 2025 is moving at a fast pace! 

Kicking off June is Black Music Month, created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to celebrate and honor the roots of Black music — which includes genres like spirituals, gospel, folk, blues, jazz, country, R&B, rock and roll, and hip-hop. African-American composers have also made huge contributions to traditional genres like opera, classical symphony, musical theater, and choral music. The African-American musical influences comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage. 

Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth — a blend of two words: “June” and “nineteenth.” Juneteenth has been a federal holiday in the U.S. since 2021. Slavery in the United States traces back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers brought African slaves with them to the New World. It lasted until the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect on January 1, 1863. On that date Texas was largely controlled by forces fighting for the Confederate States, which opposed the abolition of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived to take control of Texas and enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state. In Galveston, the newly freed slaves held large public celebrations, and so laid the base for future Juneteenth activities. 

A range of public, community and private events will be held to celebrate Juneteenth, often on a weekend close to June 19. These include: 

• Outdoor cookouts/barbecues
• Neighborhood or block parties 
• Community flag-raising ceremonies 
• Juneteenth displays in city halls, libraries, schools, and post offices 
• Essay or artwork competitions for young people 
• Presentations of community service awards 
• The distribution of Juneteenth buttons, t-shirts, mugs, and bags 

One particular celebration, the F.A.I.T.H. Freedom Festival, will be held exactly on June 19 at Craig Ranch Park. The brainchild of the Chaney Family and F.A.I.T.H. Wellness Services Incorporated, this festival is free and fun for the whole family. There will be cultural vendors and food trucks available to patronize, a kid zone, music by KCEP Power 88.1’s own DJ Benzo, and hosted by Sweet Lou! The entertainment will include local performances, and feature national recording artist Karyn White! Gates open at 4 p.m. ending, and the celebration will culminate with a Fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m. 

Sports are big in June: the WNBA Season is in full effect, with the Las Vegas Aces attempting to return to the WNBA Championship; and the NBA Finals will be held beginning June 5. Who do you have winning it all between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers? 

June is also a time for a number of awareness months, including: 

• Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 
• Men’s Health Month 
• National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month 
• LGBTQ Pride Month 
• Caribbean American Heritage Month 
• Immigrant Heritage Month 

As we celebrate Black Music Month, Juneteenth, professional sports, and all of the awareness of June, let’s remember to do it responsibly! 

Until the next edition of Knight Moves, educate yourself and share the knowledge with others.God bless you!

Until the next edition of Knight Moves, educate yourself and share the knowledge with others! 

God bless you!