Celebrating Juneteenth: Commemorating the Journey Towards Equality
Today marks a day of celebration and remembering the freedom that was long sought after by enslaved people in America. On June 19, 1866 the last slaves in Galveston, Texas were informed that they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Since that day, Juneteenth has evolved into a national symbol of African American freedom and the celebration of our culture, resilience, and progress.
While African Americans have celebrated this day with family gatherings, music, food, and community events for the last 150 years, it was just three years ago that it was officially recognized as a federal holiday — finally honoring the strength and contributions of our ancestors on a national scale. This declaration has allowed for more education on the significance of this holiday and has opened up conversations about race, equity, and the work that still needs to be done.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is essential to reflect on the progress we have made and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom, but a call-to-action for the future. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible.
We do not celebrate the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed because, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “no one is free until we are all free.” He may not have been talking about slavery, but the message is the same no matter what type of oppression we’re facing. Let today be a reminder that freedom and equality must be actively pursued and defended. And that while Juneteenth is a time of celebration, it is also a recommitment to the values of justice and equality.
Sincerely,
Terrence Clark
A Juneteenth Message from Our President
On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Texas, marking the liberation of those who had been held in bondage for far too long. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. It’s a day that represents freedom, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of hope.
At the Council, we recognize the significance of Juneteenth and the impact it has on members of our community. Celebrating Juneteenth is an opportunity for us to honor and acknowledge the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans to our society. It also serves as a reminder of the systemic inequalities that continue to exist in our country. We recognize that systemic racism and discrimination continue to create barriers for minority-owned businesses and limit their opportunities for success. Celebrating Juneteenth on a national scale is an important step towards acknowledging and addressing these issues while providing a reminder that more work needs to be done.
We believe that it is crucial for all of us to use Juneteenth as an opportunity to reflect on our role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We remain committed to providing resources, support, and opportunities for minority-owned businesses to thrive. Take this time to explore our programs, events, and certification opportunities to get involved and be part of our dynamic network. Together, we can drive positive change and shape a business landscape that celebrates diversity and promotes economic growth.
As we approach Juneteenth, let’s amplify the voices of those who have fought tirelessly for freedom and equality. It’s a time for reflection, education, and taking meaningful action. Join us in celebrating this Juneteenth and let’s keep moving forward, hand in hand, toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
Sincerely,
Terrence Clark
A Juneteenth Message from Our President
Juneteenth, celebrated the 19th of June, is a holiday that observes the end of slavery in the U.S. and marks the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached people in the deepest parts of the former Confederacy. Though only officially declared our nation’s newest federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been celebrated for decades through family gatherings and other local celebration events, such as memorials, parades, or public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.
It has been troubling to know that the holiday has only received national attention in recent years due to an onslaught of transgressions against the African American community — in particular after the global protests sparked in 2020 by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks. This Juneteenth, I want to remind you that allyship for the black community isn’t confined to a day, month, or social movement; rather, it’s an ethical and moral compass that can and should be used to guide day-to-day interactions.
For many, celebrating Juneteenth provides the opportunity to honor Black culture and the Black experience, recognizing the depth and complexity of African American history and its implications for us all. To The Council, we believe that in celebrating Juneteenth, we are reaffirming our constant and unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices and experiences of minority communities across the globe. After all, our central mission is to help educate, develop, and uplift minority communities in business, creating systemic change in how leading corporations engage with them now and in the future.
This year, I implore you to look within yourself and your organization, seeking out places and opportunities where you can amplify diverse thoughts and perspectives—and speak up for those otherwise silenced or overlooked. It is only together that we can work to dismantle systemic structures of oppression that have plagued African Americans and other minority communities for generations, thereby allowing them the same freedoms and opportunities enjoyed by white Americans for decades.
Let this continue to be a movement and not just a moment.
Sincerely,
Terrence Clark