Juneteenth and What It Means to Me
By: Jaca Johnson (NACE South Florida)
Juneteenth is more than just a date on the calendar or a day off from work. It’s a deep breath of remembrance, a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate resilience—a day often forgotten. For me, it’s not only about the emancipation of enslaved people but also about the ongoing journey to truly know and honor who we are as people and as a culture.
I grew up in a military family, always on the move, always adjusting to new places and faces. You must adjust PERIOD! Each new chapter taught me to observe closely, adapt quickly, and step up as a leader. My parents were leaders in their own way; my father worked in engineering and military policing, my mother in legal services. They brought precision, purpose, and quiet strength to everything they touched. Their careers were built on structure and discipline, but they lived with a kindness and care that made every detail matter.
At home, we called ourselves “Skittles”—a vibrant mix of every shade of Black. We were a mosaic of stories, colors, and experiences, held together by love and discipline. My parents taught me early on that excellence wasn’t a goal to chase—it was a way of life.
But the journey to self-love wasn’t always easy. I was told more than once that “you’re the color that shows,” as if my worth could be measured by skin tone. Those words stung like a bee (and I'm allergic), but they never defined me. Instead, they deepened my resolve and existence that I am a Black woman, and I have embraced my Black beauty fully and unapologetically. Every shade of me—inside and out—belongs.
My mother, born in post-war Europe and known as a “brown baby” because of her unknown origins, carried a history marked by gaps and silence. Yet, she gave me a powerful message that still guides me: “You must know where you come from—and if you’re not taught, you learn. No one else gets to tell you who you are.” This belief resonated with me and set the foundation for how I walk through the world—with curiosity, determination, and a hunger for truth.
She also gave me the gift of ritual. Saturday mornings were sacred—she’d play music, whether rock' n roll, soul, funk, gospel, or jazz, and the house would come alive. We’d spend hours cleaning, moving furniture, and refreshing our space. It was more than tidying up—it was about creating beauty, order, and pride in our home. That energy stays with me, a reminder that every space holds spirit and every detail tells a story.
Our family story deepened through my adopted grandparents. My Oma was German, bringing warmth and strength. My Opa was from St. Thomas and a proud Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army—a symbol of Black resilience and honor. He was also a Mason and an Eastern Star, rooted in faith, tradition, and community leadership. From him, I learned the meaning of legacy—the quiet power of discipline, generosity, and grace under pressure.
When my mother passed, I felt LOST, as if the anchor that held me steady had disappeared. For a time, I wasn’t sure how to find my footing. Then, a general manager, Yvette, offered me words that changed everything: “Your mother’s legacy will live on in what you do and accomplish.” Those words became my compass. They reminded me that legacy isn’t something left behind—it’s the strength we carry forward.
That influence flows through everything I create, especially in hospitality. Though my parents’ careers weren’t in events or design, they had an unmistakable sense of style. For them—and now for me, style is about intention. It’s the warm lighting that sets the mood, the thoughtful arrangement of a room that invites connection, the fresh scent of flowers, the little details that make guests feel truly seen, and the music that sets the tone. These small touches aren’t just niceties; they are paragraphs that together create a story.
Juneteenth, to me, is about that legacy. It’s honoring those who came before us and carrying their strength forward with beauty, excellence, and grace. My story is just one thread in a vast tapestry—but it’s one I wear with intention, pride, and purpose.
Eventfully Yours,
Jaca Johnson
About the Author
Jaca Johnson
Director of Catering at The Club at Admirals Cove