Celebrating Juneteenth at the Y

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19^th, celebrates the emancipation of those who were enslaved, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. To celebrate, the Gaston County Family YMCA is sharing some tips on how you can celebrate!

Shop Local Black-Owned Businesses

Shop at a local Black-owned business or restaurant today. You can find out more information about locating those establishments in the section below.

Share Podcasts, Movies, and Other Media 

Check out a new Black-produced or directed podcast or movie. We’ve put together a great list to get you started here for podcasts and here for movies, curated by FeedSpot and Rotten Tomatoes.
 

Encourage Books by Black Authors

Check out some of the fantastic Black authors at your local library or bookstore. Explore those titles here. 

Local Black-Owned Businesses in Gaston County

From the Gaston Business Association Directory

• Mic’s Kitchen – Gastonia – Comfort & soul food

• Smith’s Soul Food Bistro – 207 S. Chestnut St, Gastonia

• Sips & Sweets Mobile Dessert Bar LLC – Gastonia

• Perfect Fit Nannie – Gastonia members.gastonbusiness.com

• Modern Legal – Gastonia – Law & consulting services

• Vision Works Enterprise, LLC – Gastonia 

• Anthony Gallant State Farm Insurance Agency – Gastonia

🍽️ Black-Owned Restaurants & Food Spots

Yelp’s Top Picks in Gastonia 

• Big Red’s Café – Breakfast & café classics

• Nana Morrison’s Soul Food (Charlotte-based but great if someone travels) gogastonnc.org+2yelp.com+2nanamorrisonssoulfood.com+2

• Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken – Comfort fare

• Fieldsville Coffee (Catch them serving delicious drinks at the Warlick Family YMCA on Wednesdays and Saturdays!)

Delivery-friendly via DoorDash 

• Canal Coffee Co. – Gastonia – Specialty coffee & pastries

🌟 Supporting Black-Owned Businesses this Juneteenth!

From soul food to services, these locally owned businesses are the heart of our community. Here are a few ways to show support:

• Visit restaurants like Mic’s Kitchen or Canal Coffee Co.

• Order takeout or catering from Sips & Sweets Mobile Dessert Bar.

• Ask about insurance or consulting needs—check out Anthony Gallant State Farm or Modern Legal.

• Spread the word by tagging or reviewing them online!

Let’s celebrate Juneteenth by lifting up local Black entrepreneurs who make Gaston County stronger every day. 💛