Vivian’s Door celebrated Juneteenth, in partnership with Stand Up Mobile, at its community conversations meeting: Legacy & Light. Attendees gathered at the nonprofit’s office to celebrate the holiday, share a meal and hear from guest speaker Dr. Jarrod D. Benjamin, Ph.D.
Benjamin, CEO and Principal Strategist for the LEAD firm, spoke to his audience about the importance of Juneteenth being “an everyday occasion,” saying, “We’ve been celebrating things at face value, but don’t know the origin [from which they came].”
He continued stressing the need for community members to use their role as benefactors of Black success for the benefit of the Black community.
“One hundred and sixty years, folks have still been lacking privilege. Why do you believe that our schools are contestantly rezoned so that [students] look the same…? Why do you believe historical black colleges, universities, [are] almost $1 trillion underfunded each decade?
He continued, “What I need us to understand is the only change that can take place is not wait until June 19th, but having June 19th be a part of every day commitment.”
Benjamin went on to “equip” audience members with tools to commit to practicing the celebration and empowerment of their community, challenging them to: Text five people to confirm whether they are register to vote, shop at a Black business within the week and create enterprises centered around their individuals’ gifts to build Black economic power.
He concluded advising the audience to be sure that their “ideas are connected to power.”
Following the speaking portion of the event, attendees stayed for Juneteenth trivia and later gathered for a shared meal.
Vivian’s Door Community Conversations are bi-monthly meetings that strive to “blend strategic planning and cultural celebration, and grassroots empowerment.”
