Melodies & Makings: Kehlani's Album, Palestinian Businesses, Pro-Palestine Acts at Bonnaroo
Legacies of Liberation from Juneteenth to Palestine
Today’s Newsletter
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Happy Juneteenth! This federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and celebrates the resilience and achievements of the Black community, marking June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Texas. Officially recognized in 2021, Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19. Check out these 6 art books to read this Juneteenth!
Today's newsletter highlights Kehlani's upcoming album and tour, businesses located in Palestine that you can order directly from, and pro-Palestine acts at Bonnaroo 2024. Plus, take action with Friends of Sabeel North America and check out our pro-Palestine Spotify playlist, perfect for your Juneteenth and Pride celebrations!
Kehlani: New Album this Week and Tour this Fall
Fans are buzzing with excitement as R&B sensation Kehlani gears up for their upcoming album and tour, announced on Instagram live, for the fall season. Their latest music video for "Next 2 U" was powerful in its pro-Palestinian visuals, featuring Kehlani and a crew of dancers rocking keffiyehs against the backdrop of Palestinian flags.
The song's lyrics blend love with a message of resilience. Plus, Kehlani pays homage to Palestinian poet Hala Alyan, and the video closes with a message about the children killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. “We tried to make a scroll honoring the names of thousands of deceased children,” it reads. “The list was so long that our fastest scroll at 3 minutes was illegible.” Instead, Kehlani is encouraging fans to read the list of names “at your own pace.”
Mark your calendars for June 21, when the album drops, and don't forget to snag some signed CDs and merch from their website!
Shop from Businesses in Palestine
These Palestinian brands sustain the livelihoods of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank while preserving heritage through traditional embroidery and craftsmanship.
Taita Leila
Taita Leila, a feminist social enterprise in the occupied West Bank, sells modern clothing handmade by women and reinterprets traditional Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez. By evolving this artisanal craft, they preserve its historical significance while adapting it for the future.
Jeel Design
Jeel Design specializes in old Palestinian embroidery with a 1970s aesthetic, aiming to preserve this heritage for future generations. Licensed in Palestine and the UAE, they offer worldwide shipping.
Holy Land Boutique
Holy Land Boutique offers a range of items, including blazers, belts, arts and crafts, and tote bags from Palestinian designers. Their mission is to foster a sustainable community of independent artists in the Holy Land, serving as a beloved online destination for authentic art. They aim to blend timeless authenticity with modern innovation, ushering in a new era of contemporary art from the region.
Hirbawi Kufiya Weavery
Hirbawi Kufiya Weavery is known as the last traditional kufiya manufacturer in Palestine, weaving authentic kufiyas since 1961. Their mission promotes local and ethical Palestinian trade, contributing to self-determination and liberation. The kufiya symbolizes more than Palestinian heritage; it embodies resistance and solidarity against injustice, serving as a colorful expression of resilience and hope for a free Palestine.
Fyrouzi Ceramics
Fyrouzi Ceramics preserves the centuries-old Palestinian pottery tradition, with "Fyrouzi," meaning turquoise in Arabic, symbolizing the captivating artistry of Palestinian Handmade Ceramics. With a mission to showcase unique, high-quality ceramics, they empower disadvantaged producers and women while preserving this traditional craft. Each piece is meticulously crafted and painted, undergoing a week-long process from shaping to firing, drawing, painting, glazing, and final firing. They bring these unique pieces from Palestine to your doorstep.
Pro-Palestine Acts at Bonnaroo 2024
![Chappell Roan performing at the 2024 Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee. Chappell Roan performing at the 2024 Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee.](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F37686db9-c333-4ea7-a863-0af663dc2f0c_1480x833.jpeg)
Bonnaroo 2024 received high praise from attendees for its unforgettable performances, despite the sweltering heat. The festival featured standout sets by pro-Palestine artists like The Mars Volta, Chappell Roan, Faye Webster (performed at Artists for Aid raising funds for Palestine and Sudan, organized by Mustafa), Melanie Martinez, Reneé Rapp, and Ethel Cain. Click the links on each of the artists’ names for more in-depth coverage of their support for Palestine.
Take Action: Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)
Make a difference with Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)! As an interdenominational Christian organization, they're on a mission for justice and peace in the Holy Land through education, advocacy, and nonviolent action. Join their movement, inspired by the vision of Sabeel Jerusalem, founded by Palestinian Christians, and amplified by chapters worldwide.
One of their latest campaigns is to stop War Criminal Netanyahu from addressing Congress. But that's not all—FOSNA also invites you to their weekly international services. Explore their Direct Action database to find actions and support their current campaigns!
Thank You
Let me know what you think by commenting below, and don't forget to share this newsletter with your friends and hit the like button. Together, we can tip the cultural scales in support of justice. Thank you for being part of this community!
In Solidarity,
illesha magdalena
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