Tomorrow, June 19th, is Juneteenth. This year more than ever, let’s ignore the sideshows, rallies, pundits and detractors and instead acknowledge how we can learn, grow, and evolve. 

Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when the last slaves in the Confederacy learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is time for honoring Black lives. It is a time for rejoicing.  It is a time for reflecting. It is a time for our community to come together.

In the spirit of Juneteenth, I hope your day is filled with hope, action, learning and listening.  Listen to the experiences of your Black neighbors and friends, have the difficult conversations, and when you have the ability, support our Black community with your business.

For me, I’m looking forward to supporting Black-owned businesses at the Juneteenth Celebration Family Fundraiser Cookout in Kings Forest Park on Saturday June 20th.  I hope to see you there! 

If you are still socially distancing, maybe try getting take-out from a local Black-owned restaurant. If you want to discuss Juneteenth with me, you can reach me anytime by replying to this email, or by calling/texting me at (813) 856-1212.