CHARLOTTE — Juneteenth commemorates the day African Americans who remained enslaved in Texas learned they had been freed.
The holiday is also seen as a new beginning for Black people.
Tanika Davis said that, to her, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom. She said it encouraged her to follow her dreams.
“It’s always the saying, ‘Someone has been through worse’ — and it was my ancestors,” Davis said. “And they pave the way for me to sit at this table, to be able to purchase the things and create memories for other families.”
Davis said her motto is, “Just do it.”
She said she decided to take her own advice and started the luxury picnic service called Capricorn Picnics.
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“Just being able to get out in the community and (being) able to manifest my dream as an event planner. I’ve always had it in my heart, and I just did it,” Davis said.
Davis said it wasn’t easy to start her own business, and it requires a lot of teamwork.
“Nothing can hold me down. Nothing. If I looked back on how my ancestors were held down, and they held it down until they saw the light at the end of the tunnel. And that’s my representation of my family,” Davis said.
Davis said she hopes the celebration of freedom inspires others to take a chance on their dreams.
“Just do it. Just do it. Just do it,” Davis said.
(WATCH BELOW: People across Charlotte celebrate Juneteenth holiday this weekend)
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