By Sir Kippy Marks–
In a world yearning for deeper connection, Juneteenth stands as a beacon of resilience, remembrance, and liberation. It is not merely a historical milestone but an ongoing call to action—a reminder that freedom is something we nurture, protect, and expand through daily acts of love and recognition. The philosophy of Practice Makes Love Easy, with its emphasis on consistent, mindful acts of empathy and kindness, finds a natural counterpart in the legacy of Juneteenth. Both teach us that freedom and love are not passive experiences but require intentional practice, much like music, relationships, and collective healing.
Juneteenth: The Celebration of Resilience
Juneteenth commemorates the day—June 19, 1865—when enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation, two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This delay symbolizes not only the cruelty of oppression but also the ongoing struggle for equity, justice, and recognition. Yet, amid pain, the newly freed did not descend into despair. Instead, they built lives, communities, and traditions centered on resilience and love.
From that moment forward, Juneteenth became a yearly celebration of liberation—not just from physical chains, but from injustice, ignorance, and division. It is a reminder that love, when practiced in its purest form, is an act of defiance against oppression. To love openly, to uplift others, and to recognize unsung heroes is to continue the fight for freedom in the most meaningful way. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Practice Makes Love Easy, as both demand action, intention, and unwavering commitment to human dignity.
Love as the Foundation of Freedom
Love is often misunderstood as a fleeting emotion or grand gesture, but in reality, it is built through daily practice. It is found in the small moments—the courage to listen, the patience to understand, the humility to recognize another’s pain. Juneteenth reminds us that the fight for freedom has always been interwoven with love:
• the love of community that supported the newly freed as they built new lives;
• the love of knowledge as education became a central goal for liberation;
• the love of art and music that preserved culture, stories, and resilience;
Similarly, Practice Makes Love Easy teaches us that love, when nurtured consistently, becomes second nature. It is not an abstract ideal but a learned skill—one that shapes relationships, communities, and social movements. By practicing love daily, we contribute to a world where freedom is not merely granted but deeply felt and upheld.
Recognizing Unsung Heroes: The Heartbeat of Juneteenth and Love
Juneteenth is a story of collective effort—of individuals who, though often overlooked, played crucial roles in shaping history. From educators who taught literacy to newly freed people to leaders who fought for civil rights, the movement toward justice has always relied on unsung heroes. Similarly, the philosophy of Practice Makes Love Easy emphasizes the power of recognition.
Who are the quiet yet transformative figures in our communities today? San Francisco is blessed to have many community-elected Black monarchs from both the Imperial Council of San Francisco and the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco who have come together to celebrate, honor, uplift, raise funds, and showcase the 3rd Annual Juneteenth celebration and fundraiser for San Francisco-based nonprofit organization the Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness.
The founder of this 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration, Emperor 36 A.N. John Weber—along with Emperor 38 A.N. Stephen Dorsey, Emperor 47 A.N. Terrell Grimes Munro, reigning Emperor Ashlé Blow, A.E. 9 Frieda (deceased), A.E. 18 Connie (deceased), A.E. 52 Mercedez Munro, reigning Empress Afrika America, G.D. 13 Deena Jones, G.D. 40 Kippy Marks, G.D. 42 Aja Monet-Ashton, G.D. 44 Madd Dogg 20/20, G.D. 47 Scott Rice—and with the assistance of non-Monarch community titleholders: Mr. SF Leather 25 Tracii Ross More, Ms SF Leather 93 Queen Cougar, and committee members A.E. 53 Cameron Stiehl, Mr. IML 2024 Jamal Herrera-O’Malley, Lance Holman, and Bebe Sweetbriar.
We recognize them and others who are the activists who fight against systemic injustice; the neighbors who foster connection through acts of kindness; and the musicians, artists, and writers who bring healing through their craft.
By acknowledging these individuals—by lifting them up through storytelling, music, and communal celebration—we preserve the very essence of Juneteenth: the belief that every act of love is an act of liberation.
Music and Improvisation: Love in Motion
As someone who is deeply invested in musical improvisation, I understand that adaptability and creativity are at the core of both music and love. Black American music—jazz, blues, gospel—arose from the history of struggle and the need to express, heal, and resist. These genres thrive on improvisation, much like Practice Makes Love Easy thrives on adaptability in relationships.
• Improvisation requires listening—so does love.
• Music thrives on collaboration—so does a just society.
• Jazz, with its call-and-response nature, mirrors the way love requires continuous effort and engagement.
By integrating music into Juneteenth celebrations, we honor those who have used sound as a form of resilience and connection. This 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration will showcase a wide range of talent from some of San Francisco’s exceptional community entertainers. And they, the committee, will also hold the annual Soul Idol Contest, where local individuals compete to receive a $200 prize and the title of Juneteeth Soul Idol 2025. (Yours truly won this prize and title in 2024.) If you would like to showcase your talent, just scan the QR code for your chance to be the next Soul Idol winner.
The Ongoing Practice of Love and Liberation
Juneteenth is not just a history lesson; it is a call to action. It asks us: How are we nurturing freedom today? The answer lies in the daily practice of love—the small moments where we extend understanding, amplify voices, and challenge injustice. By sharing narratives of resilience and honoring those who practice love daily, we preserve the spirit of Juneteenth. The key is to recognize that love is not just sentiment; it is an ongoing practice that strengthens freedom in every form.
Love as the Bridge Between the Past and the Future
Juneteenth teaches us that liberation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. Practice Makes Love Easy reminds us that love, too, is a discipline—one that, when nurtured, transforms individuals, communities, and movements. Together, these philosophies create a blueprint for a more compassionate and connected world.
Juneteenth is a powerful lens through which love can be expressed. By practicing love daily, we ensure that freedom is not merely remembered but actively upheld. And in doing so, we create a world where love and justice walk hand in hand.
I am honored, humbled, and inspired by each of these community-elected Black monarchs. Each is a beacon of light, is resilient, practices freedom, and is a spectacular representation of power for our community. They are all Practice Makes Love Easy champions.
Sir Kippy Marks: What does Juneteenth mean to you?
Emperor John Weber: Juneteenth represents the enduring struggle of Black people, particularly those who were enslaved, who have faced countless atrocities throughout history. Despite these injustices—both past and present—we have emerged as a community rich in extraordinary talent and contributions to the United States and beyond. As Black gay individuals, our journey has been even more challenging, confronting profound barriers, yet we continuously rise to the occasion. Our Juneteenth celebration on June 22 embodies this resilience, as many leaders from our BIPOC and Black communities have elevated the San Francisco Bay Area to new heights. I hope that my legacy from this event inspires other Black and BIPOC individuals who follow, reminding them that they are the heirs of those who forged the path before them with the blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors.
Grand Duke Scott Rice: For me, as a Black elected monarch, and one who grew up with an adopted family who hid that I was Black so that I would never know, being a part of this celebration in this community means recognizing and honoring our truth from the past. I remember when I first found out I was Black. I had some feelings of shame that felt horrible, even though I knew that they weren’t my feelings; they were the ones ingrained in me from those I grew up with, and those who adopted me, but not knowing how to deal with them was extremely hard, and I felt alone in that. And today, thanks to this community showing me what it means to be proud of who I am and proud of where I come from, I stand tall and walk side-by-side with some of the most amazing, impactful, and influential Black members of the community, and I’ve never been prouder to be part of it. So yes, I know we are still fighting oppression, but I also know it’s a fight we will win together.
Reigning Empress Afrika America: Juneteenth means remembering the struggles and the challenges our ancestors had to overcome for us to be where we are today. Now we are those new ancestors creating change and driving a path of truth and light. We are a force to be reckoned with and to educate the masses.
Tracii Ross More: I firmly believe that my titles carry immense significance. To me, the title “Juneteeth” resonates as a celebration of my people, encompassing both the past, present, and future generations. Moreover, I feel compelled to showcase the diverse manifestations of Black pride from various perspectives.
Reigning Emperor Ashlé Blow: There are 4 words that come to mind when I think about Juneteenth: Representation, Freedom, Ancestors, Courage. We cannot forget our history or we will end up repeating it. We must continue being represented. We must respect the fight of our ancestors. We must be courageous and stand up to opposition. We must remember that freedom is not free.
Grand Duchess 13 Deena Jones: The LGBTQIA+ Juneteenth Celebration makes me reflect on how far People of Color have come in our own community.
Grand Duke 40 Kippy Marks: As the very first ever community-elected Black Grand Duke of San Francisco, I knew representation was to be an inflection point in adding to the many Black kings, queens, and monarchs of the motherland and place of my birth. I knew that I am a very unique and blessed spirit, and that my gratitude and honor to my ancestors hold great value, and that I hold a tremendous amount of responsibility to the future Black monarchs who would come after. Juneteenth allowed this responsibility to flourish in ways that I did not perceive at first, and through the years and with the coming together of community, I have accomplished more than I ever imagined. I am forever grateful for my ancestors for their endurance, perseverance, and resilience, for I stand on their shoulders and always bring them with me with every step I take. Juneteenth reminds me always to live in gratitude, always to empower those around me, to teach others how to know that each person holds value, and always to practice love so that others may see, feel, learn, and follow in this practice—PMLE (Practice Makes Love Easy).
The 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration beneficiary is the Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness that has been building a healthier community. Since 1986, Rafiki has been at the forefront of providing health education, housing, advocacy, and essential services to San Francisco’s Black community and other marginalized groups.
Rafiki began as The Black Coalition on AIDS (BCA), a community-based organization founded in response to the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on Black and African American communities. Our mission was clear: to ensure that Black people received appropriate healthcare services and had a voice in critical policy decisions that directly affected their lives.
As the needs of the community evolved, so did our work. Over the years, BCA expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive range of HIV/AIDS-related services, such as transitional housing, health education, advocacy, case management, and other health-promoting initiatives.
Recognizing the broader health disparities facing San Franciscans with limited access to care, we expanded our focus to serve the general public. In 2015, in alignment with our growing scope and mission, we rebranded as Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness. Today, we are a vital wellness hub committed to breaking down barriers to health and empowering individuals to achieve better physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
We envision a vibrant, healthy San Francisco where health disparities no longer exist, and HIV/AIDS is a disease of the past. We dream of a future where Black and marginalized communities are thriving—educated, empowered, resilient, and engaged—living in unity and health. In this future, life is celebrated, the diverse cultures of the African Diaspora are honored, and every person has access to the resources and support they need to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
At Rafiki Coalition, our mission is to eliminate health inequities in San Francisco’s Black and marginalized communities through education, advocacy, and the provision of holistic health and wellness services in a culturally affirming environment. We are committed to empowering individuals and communities to achieve optimal health and well-being by addressing the physical, mental, and social factors that impact health.
At Rafiki Coalition, our work is guided by core values that define our approach to health and wellness:
• Cultural Affirmation: We provide a space where Black people feel valued, supported, and respected for who they are.
• Holistic Health: We believe in an integrated approach to wellness, addressing the mind, body, and spirit through whole-person services that promote well-being.
• Community Empowerment: We are dedicated to uplifting and educating our community, providing the tools and support needed to take control of health outcomes and foster resilience.
• Equity and Advocacy: We advocate for systemic change to ensure equitable access to health resources and care for Black and marginalized communities.
• Respect and Dignity: We approach every individual with compassion, honoring their unique experiences and needs while providing quality care and services.
A Soulful Juneteeth
3rd Annual Fundraiser
“Celebrating a Night of Black Excellence”
June 22, 2025
4–8 pm
Powerhouse
1347 Folsom Street, San Francisco
https://www.powerhousebar.com/
Video promo at Facebook at: https://bit.ly/4kv640r
Sir Kippy Marks is a spirited solo entertainer whose shows are permeated with an infectious joy. His distinctive sound arises from his heart, through his 1822 violin consort, Izabella. Marks’ rare talent, broad smile, and radiant warmth will brighten any event to create lasting impact. He is also Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
Practice Makes Love Easy
Published on June 12, 2025
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