Juneteenth 2021
Rebirthing the Roots of Entrepreneurial Excellence
Write up by Malene Brissett, Brooklyn WATE
An initiative that proves to teach & keep the tradition of celebrating the emancipation of Black people in America.
Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States of America. Two and a half years after the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, delivered the Emancipation Proclamation, where Black people were considered free and delivered from enslavement.
Why do we celebrate June 19, 1865?
Across the United States, people of all walks of life share the understanding that July 4th is the long time celebration of the Declaration of Independence. America was finally free from the dependence of the British and was considered to be an independent collection of nations. However, Africans in America did not share that experience, for they were still being owned and considered 3/5ths of a man. On June 19, 1865 news came from the soldiers who landed in Galveston, Texas that the Civil War had ended and that slaves were now free.
In honor of this long time coming, Africans in America have celebrated with food, dancing, singing, and celebration of the right to live and pursue happiness outside of being owned by another human being. Today, through organized efforts and collaborations of different organizations, solidarity in how we celebrate is showcased through literary expression and images of the numerous shades of Black in music, technology, art, science and business take center stages throughout communities that reflect a new generation of talent. These communities are the site where the torches of inspiration are passed and are encouraged to continue the tradition of celebrating annually.
Our Juneteenth Celebration
Parents and entrepreneurs are encouraged this year to submit their ideas and businesses to the community. The community is rich in consumers, educators, fellow entrepreneurs, supporters, and your neighbors. We are our best advocates and our biggest cheerleaders.
We are looking for :
CREATIVES & PERFORMERS
BUSINESSES & TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATORS & INFLUENCERS
In addition:
Artists, Products, Historians, Dancers, Retailers, Social Media Gurus, Singers, Service solutions and Content Curators
Our Juneteenth POMP!
What the heck is a pomp? It’s our play on Sir Edward Elgar’s classic tune of Pomp and Circumstances that when heard often signifies a graduation or a regal entrance musical ensemble designed for royalty. Our Juneteenth Pomp is a family-based experience that leads youth 13-18 years old into a cascade of learning through leadership training. Each participant will have the in entrepreneurship to fruition. They will receive etiquette classes, business prep, and all other leadership training courses to prepare them for “Mark Day”, which is the day their dreams are shared for review by panel judges. They make their Mark in the presence of their peers, family, judges and the community. Finalists receive prizes and the winner receives a scholarship.
We welcome you to the 2020-2012 Juneteenth & It’s Pomp Season