Taurie says that Juneteenth is a symbol of hope to her. It is the defiance of limitations and adversity. In a country where each day, the media reminds us of the things that divide us - anger, insecurity, fear and ignorance. Taurie says that her mother raised her to find hope in adversity and never succumb to negativity. That is what Juneteenth means to her – the unrelenting fight for freedom through adversity, leading to the eventual official proclamation of it! 

It is with pride that I identify and celebrate the strength and symbolism of Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day! As a country, and together, only we can strive for, and want unity, acknowledgment of each other’s value and a true pursuit of happiness in our daily efforts and treatment of each other.

As a country, we have come a long way, but have so much more to go. We are still a great country that attract people of all over the world to come to work and live out their dreams.

Juneteenth is the ‘Day One’ of blacks, the day they were recognized as a people. Path forward is to only grow from there.

Happy Juneteenth Black America! May we continue to grow as we have been destined to grow – in peace, love and the inner rhythms of majestic pride!