Juneteenth Jam 2024

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated in America about the liberation of formerly incarcerated and enslaved Black Americans who fought for freedom and advancement. It is a blessing from God to be alive and thankful as a Black American modern woman!

I have always participated in the Juneteenth celebrations in my hometown of Milwaukee, WI. Milwaukee actually has one of the oldest running Juneteenth parades and festivals in the nation. Growing up it was always a goal of mine to have a booth at a Juneteenth festival. This year I finally had the opportunity to do that in Grand Rapids, MI.

I was one of many vendors who sold items at the 2024 Juneteenth Jam that was held at Calder Plaza for the first time. It was organized by “Justice4All.” The family friendly event brought out hundreds of people who enjoyed the booths, food, live music, face painting, break dancers, and so much more.

I was proud to be at the GR Juneteenth Jam representing myself as a Black journalist and soft launching my brand, “A.P Style” which is Amanda Porter Style. My personal brand is about being a unique Christian woman excelling in corporate America while building, healing and growing through life.

I soft-launched my prayer journal, eye lash cluster kits, and a select few viral items in my athleisure work out line. I also sold color shifting sunglasses, a variety of lipglosses some even with an mirror and LED lights, plus a few wigs and bonnets.

The best part of being at this event was meeting the people! I met so many people from all different backgrounds. I’m thinking my bright pink tent and all this good energy would draw in a crowd and I was right praise God! I was able to set up quickly and even though I was battling the wind, I was able to get the tent settled and tend to my customers. I was blessed to be able to make sales from the minute I was set up until the end of the event which lasted 4-5 hours.

It was a blessing that so many people wanted to meet and speak with me as I am a local news anchor and reporter for the NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids, MI. It was amazing having community members come up and shake my hand thanking me because I work in this city for you, the people!

Juneteenth was a chance for me to showcase all that God has blessed me with and share it with my people and the community!