President’s Corner Why you should commemorate Juneteenth as a small business.
Dear Reader: Also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Emancipation Day,” and “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth commemorates the historical events of June 19th, 1865—the day the last Black slaves were emancipated in Texas, effectually ending American slavery. For any small business owner, Juneteenth is a vital opportunity to renew your support for your local Black community. In addition to recognizing Juneteenth with food festivals, artistic expression, and education, you can use your business’s resources and platform to amplify the efforts of local Black small businesses. You may wonder about your place in the celebrations as a small business owner. It all comes down to how you can help lift up and amplify the meaning of this important day. Entrepreneurs and small business owners can take steps to honor Black history, celebrate progress, and promote diversity and inclusion. As a small business owner, celebrating and acknowledging the significance of this day is a great idea for your business, employees, customers, and community. As we’ve seen, local businesses, especially local small businesses, can be powerful forces of social change. They can help foster equitable economic environments for Black families and communities, and Black-owned businesses can help close the ongoing wealth gap between Black and white Americans. Of course, supporting your Black neighbors and community shouldn’t be restricted to one day of the year. However, honoring Juneteenth as a small local business can help to show the community that you truly support them and bolster your words with meaningful actions.
The Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce encourages consumers, businesses, corporations and government agencies to celebrate Juneteenth in a number of meaningful and impactful ways. Most importantly, shop with Black-owned businesses as often as possible all year long and advocate/provide opportunities that demonstrate equitable contract and vendor participation. Support Black-owned media – radio, digital and TV with your advertising dollars, viewership, and engagement. Open a bank account with a Black bank. Acknowledge the wonderful contributions made by Black people since our nation’s inception by visiting museums, cultural centers, bookstores, theaters, and concerts that herald our impact in the US and globally. Register and make sure you vote in all elections – local, state, and national. Sponsor and support community events that celebrate this important holiday in newsletters, festivals, cuisine, and arts and culture. These are great ways to celebrate the Juneteenth National Holiday this year.
Dr. Angelic Cole President & CEO Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. Instead, it’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, things do get better. America can change.” Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, Civil Rights Attorney
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