Trying to stay sane and connected JUNE 19th ISSUE, 2020 | ISSUE 20

In this Issue: A Note from Tommy Juneteenth Then & Now New Knowledge Nuggets VA Election Reminder Want to Change the World? Talk About It!! Your Pantry is Calling Who Doesn't Love Puzzles? Your Weekend Horoscopes 

Hello and Happy Juneteenth Echols! June has certainly given us a lot to talk about so far hasn't it? From racial justice, to landmark supreme court rulings, to emails from President Ryan, we've had a lot on our minds. It's so important that we take the time to process all of the developments happening around us with each other. I like to stay informed as much as anyone, but over-consuming news, or fixating on what is uncertain about upcoming plans can get overwhelming. I have found one of the best ways to stay on top of current events without feeling bombarded is to simply talk about them. I have especially appreciated occasional extended FaceTimes with friends and group chat deep dives because they provide a way to stay engaged that feels like stress relief. I hope that this issue of the Quarantimes helps you feel similarly informed and connected with each other. Today marks the first time that Juneteenth has been acknowledged as a paid state holiday for University and Virginia state employees. The Echols team has decided to take the opportunity to highlight this by sharing some of the history of the holiday in addition to the classic QT content we've all come to expect every Friday. Thanks and stay well everyone, Tommy Ferrier Echols Graduate Intern As always send things our way via email to   EcholsProgram@virginia.edu

Here are 12 things you may not know about Juneteenth!

Watch the video below to learn more about this holiday and how everyone can celebrate safely this year considering COVID-19

New Knowledge Nuggets *P r i d e E d i t i o n*

"I recently learned that the original rainbow pride flag had more colors than what we have all come to recognize. The original version had pink and turquoise stripes that were later removed for symmetry and ease of production." Allie Hartwig Echols Council Presiden View the original pride flag and learn more about its history here. "Three years prior to the well known Stonewall Inn riot that is often referenced as the beginning of Pride traditions, a group of trans women organized another historic act of resistance to police harassment in what became known as the "Compton Cafeteria Riots." Taking place in August 1966, this explosive period of fearless defiance and trans organizing triggered a series of events in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, cementing the borough's place in LGBTQ history." Tommy Ferrier Echols Graduate Intern Learn more about this seldom talked about event at this site

“The Stonewall Inn was owned by the mob at the time of riots! In fact, the Genovese family controlled most of the gay bars in Greenwich Village. ‘Fat Tony’ purchased and renovated the Stonewall Inn, and bribed police to leave it alone.” Kelsey Johnson Echols Program Director Learn more about the history of the Stonewall Inn here.

VA Election Reminder

The Virginia State Primary is this Tuesday, June 23 rd Polling places will open at 6:00 a.m. and a nyone in line by 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote. For those planning to vote in the Virginia State Primary on Tuesday, take a moment to learn about who is on the ballot in your District. Wear a mask and make sure you have a plan in case you have to wait due to any issues at your precinct. 2020 has been an unpredictable year so far, but don't let anything prevent opportunities to use your voice in your community.

Want to Change the World? You (yes you!) are an expert on many things. You have lived experience that gives you a unique perspective. Sharing your experience and expertise with the world can help all of us become better - and yes, even change the world.

Have you ever thought about writing an OpEd? OpEds are a great way to share your voice with the world. You can write an OpEd on virtually anything under the sun, but a key is to be answer "Why is this important to share now?" in the pitch. Your pitch gets turned down? Don't be discouraged, pitch it again somewhere else! Persistence people. The OpEd Project has a great set of tips and tricks for writing and pitching OpEds, which you can find here. (And if your OpEd gets published, let us know so we can share it!)

Talk About It!!

Your Pantry is Calling

So-Easy Strawberry Soda🍓 Red beverages, particularly strawberry soda, are traditionally associated with Juneteenth celebrations. The red color is a symbol of the strength and vibrance of African people as well as an acknowledgment of the blood spilled throughout the horrors of American slavery. Culinary historians have also linked red drinks to West African traditions of preparing vibrant red beverages from hibiscus flowers and the kola nut in times of celebration and importance. Bring the spirit of Juneteenth into your home with this simple recipe, using only 4 common ingredients! This recipe makes about 3 cups of syrup and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Combine the sugar and water in a medium sauce pan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar fully dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the syrup begins to thicken slightly. Add the sliced strawberries and allow the mixture to return to a strong simmer. Cook until the strawberries soften and fade significantly. (10-20 minutes) Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Remove solids by pouring the mixture through a fine strainer *Be careful with the hot syrup! Combine the desired amount of syrup with cold seltzer or club soda and serve over ice and sliced strawberries. (The right ratio will vary by taste but try starting with a ratio of one part syrup to three parts water.)

Ingredients 2 cups of sugar 1 lb fresh strawberries (≈15-20 medium sized, hulled and sliced) 2 cups of water Seltzer water or club soda

Who Doesn't Love Puzzles? The Echols team is looking forward to announcing the 2020 common read. To help us build suspense, and because word searches are fun, try to find all 10 words that are related to this year's book. (Answers and more details about the Common Read will be revealed in the next issue)

Have a Fantastic weekend!

We'll touch base again next Friday. Stay hydrated and take care of each other!