In honor of Juneteenth, Alawichous Tea Company will host a Sip and Shop event with Alawichous partner Bawse Market. Taking place at 23 Cherokee Blvd. in the Northshore District on Sunday June 20, from 12-2 p.m. the event will include: An opportunity to sample the Alawichous brand, giveaways, free COVID-19 test kits and an opportunity to shop and support a black-owned Chattanooga establishment.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865 that enslaved people in Texas were finally freed. The day came to be known as “Juneteenth.” While often celebrated in African American communities, many Americans have remained unaware of Juneteenth’s significance.
In partnership with Holland Group Public Relations, Alawichous Tea Company is working to change the narrative with a series of community events and workshops dedicated to highlighting and marketing black-owned businesses in Chattanooga.
The Alawichous Tea Company Juneteenth Celebration will serve to highlight the day that represents when enslaved Africans were all made free to join in on the pursuit of the American dream. The premise is to celebrate by standing in solidarity with those who were denied their rightful celebration, said officials.
In addition, this initiative will be the first of its kind in the city, a black-owned public relations firm (Holland Group Public Relations) and a black-owned beverage company (Alawichous Tea Company) are partnering together to create an event with a black-owned grocery store owner (Bawse Market).