My family has a tradition of getting together every year to celebrate Juneteenth. It’s become one of those days that reminds me how much I love simply coming together and connecting over good food, good conversations, and the opportunity to celebrate a significant part of our history.

My identity is in Christ first. But as we can all see, I’m also a Black woman. And I love that God created each of us in His image, giving every ethnicity inherent dignity and value. So while my identity in Christ is the foundation of who I am, I can also appreciate the history and heritage that have shaped my earthly story.

I believe the gospel unites people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, and it also gives us the freedom to celebrate the unique stories and cultures God has woven into humanity. Juneteenth is a meaningful celebration of Black history and freedom, and over the years I’ve appreciated seeing it become more widely acknowledged and celebrated.

With all of that in mind, I was looking forward to putting on something that reflects how I feel. I wanted an outfit that spoke to the occasion while being comfortable enough for an afternoon at the park with family, and polished enough to feel intentional.

If you’re new here, one thing you should know about me is that I love taking everyday outfits and elevating them just enough to feel put together without losing their simplicity. Here’s a closer look at what I wore.

OUTFIT DETAILS

Skirt

Denim Skirt Link

If you’re building a wardrobe of versatile basics like I am, a black denim midi skirt deserves a spot. Unlike traditional blue denim, it feels a little less basic while still being just as easy to style.

I especially love the little details. The silver buttons break up the black denim just enough to add interest without competing with the rest of the outfit. The high-waisted fit creates a flattering silhouette, especially with my signature style of a tucked-in tee, and the midi length offers plenty of coverage while the adjustable slit allows you more versatility and the option to catch more of a breeze.

Shoes

Reef Sandals Linked

If you’ve seen previous posts here at Faith on the Page: Style Notes then you’ve seen these sandals in another color. I am officially a REEF girly, they can have all of my money. They are not sponsoring me, but with the way I rave about them, you would think so. They’re just so extremely comfortable, they give a little extra height, and make an outfit feel more intentional than a standard flat sandal. As an open-toed, long-walk lover, you’ll see me in these a lot.

Bag

Bucket Bag Dupe Linked

My actual bag is the Brandon Blackwood shearling bucket bag, but since it’s been discontinued, I wanted to link something that gives a similar feel rather than leave you empty-handed. This Amazon version has the same bucket shape and a timeless black finish—even though it’s missing the fuzzy texture I love. But how cute is the handle accessory? I’d wear this piece and honestly be just as satisfied, for a fraction of my originals price.

Graphic Tee

Juneteenth Shirt Linked

Finally, the centerpiece of the outfit: the graphic tee.

I knew I wanted to wear something that acknowledged the occasion, but I also loved that its message pointed beyond ethnicity and toward an identity that lasts forever.

“God Says I Am…” is a reminder that while I celebrate my heritage with gratitude, my truest identity is found in Christ. The two aren’t in competition.

I’ve noticed, at least within the Black community, that some people feel like they have to choose between embracing their identity in Christ and embracing their history and ancestry, but I don’t believe Scripture asks us to do that. God didn’t make a mistake when He created us with different cultures, histories, and ethnicities. Those things are part of our earthly story, and they’re worth appreciating.

As a Black woman, my ethnicity isn’t something I set aside when I became a Christian. It is ever-before me, it’s how God created me, and it’s part of my family’s story. It’s lost no importance, yet I also hold the truth that Christ defines me more deeply than it ever could.

Ironically, I think that’s one of the most freeing things about the gospel. When Christ becomes our primary identity, it doesn’t diminish our appreciation for where we’ve come from. It actually enlarges our capacity to love people whose stories are different from our own, because we recognize that every one of us bears God’s image and every believer belongs to the same family.

That’s why I loved wearing this shirt on Juneteenth. It beautifully held both truths together: gratitude for my heritage and an even greater gratitude for the Savior who defines my identity.

(Also… I love this design so much that I’m already thinking about creating my own version next year. Stay tuned.)