Juneteenth re-enactment party in Galveston, Texas.
GALVESTON, Texas, June 16, 2025 – Juneteenth, commemorating the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the freedom of over 250,000 enslaved African Americans, is more than just a historical event; it’s a call to action.
A Legacy of Delayed justice
The fight for equity, opportunity, and liberation continues as communities work towards economic empowerment.
- Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865.
- Historical barriers like the Black codes created lasting economic disparities.
- Community leaders in Houston are fostering wealth creation and homeownership.
- Private Leverage has invested millions in underserved communities.
- Disparities in homeownership and small business ownership persist in the Houston area.
The legacy of Juneteenth highlights the long struggle for equality, reminding us of the delayed justice faced by African Americans after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863. Despite the legal abolition of slavery, systemic oppression persisted, contributing to today’s racial wealth gap, where Black households frequently enough face financial deficits.
Did you know?-The racial wealth gap persists, with the median White household having considerably more wealth than the median Black household.This disparity is rooted in historical injustices and discriminatory policies.
Today, community leaders are taking action to build a future of long-term freedom through affordable housing and economic progress.
Building Infrastructure for Freedom
In Houston, two key figures are at the forefront of this movement. Marlon Mitchell,President & CEO of Houston Business Development,Inc. (HBDi),and Malcolm Sykes,Owner of Private Leverage,are actively working to create pathways to homeownership and small business success in historically excluded Black neighborhoods.private Leverage, as a Community Development Financial Institution, has committed over $25 million in capital to low-to-moderate income neighborhoods across Texas.
This initiative supports minority real estate developers and small businesses, strengthening local economic growth.In 2023, homeownership rates in the greater houston area showed notable disparities, with approximately 72% of White and Asian American households owning their homes, compared to 55% of hispanic households and only 42% of Black households. In 2021, only 4.7% of small business owners in the region were Black, versus 11.2% Hispanic and 57.2% White.
Reader question:-What are some specific local policies that could help close the homeownership gap in Houston and other major cities?
Through residential, commercial, and small business loans, Private Leverage is addressing these gaps by circulating money within Black communities, increasing financial velocity. To date, Private Leverage has closed 112 small business loans, with 99% going to CDFI Eligible Markets. A total of 75% of its dollars benefited CDFI Investment Areas, and 55% High Poverty Areas. Sykes emphasizes the importance of building capacity to help borrowers track the creation of affordable homeownership and rental units and, where possible, to establish affordability agreements that ensure these homes remain affordable long-term.
“Juneteenth, both personally and professionally, signifies the ongoing quest for freedom, justice, and equality,” said Sykes. “Daily, we commit to advancing towards our objectives, with ultimate freedom as the paramount goal. While legal bondage has ended, the pursuit of genuine freedom persists.”
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Economic Empowerment
At HBDi, Mitchell is also confronting these disparities, using a multi-pronged approach. The organization revitalizes properties to expand affordable and mixed-income housing, provides loans and technical assistance to minority-owned small businesses as a certified CDFI, and supports entrepreneurs through business incubation programs.
As 1986, hbdi has facilitated over $350 million in small business loans and grants, creating roughly 5,000 jobs in the Houston Metro area, with 75% benefiting Black businesses. HBDi spearheaded the renovation of Houston’s Palm Center, catalyzing $26 million in economic development. Mitchell views their work as an extension of the legacy of Galveston.
Did you know? Black business ownership is growing at approximately 4.72% annually. However, at this pace, it would take 256 years for the number of Black-owned businesses to reflect the percentage of Black people in the U.S. population.
According to a Brookings research report, Black business ownership is currently growing at a rate of about 4.72% annually. hbdi is actively investing in the future, advancing $66 million in projects aimed at accelerating Black wealth-building and economic opportunity.
“The legacy of Juneteenth reminds us that justice and opportunity have never arrived on time for Black communities-and that we must be both vigilant and proactive in creating creative economic opportunities within our communities,” said Mitchell. “As Galveston’s neighbor and the most populous city in Texas, Houston has long been a place where African American communities have fought for-and created-economic opportunity against the odds. Our work at HBDi is an extension of that legacy.”
What does Juneteenth signify in the context of wealth creation?
Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of progress made and the work still ahead in achieving lasting prosperity for Black communities. The data underscores that African Americans lag in wealth and housing ownership. The current national policies will erode African Americans’ past economic gains. The times call for radical efforts and bold leadership to ensure these challenges are met.
Juneteenth’s Importance Beyond Texas
The story of Juneteenth extends much beyond Galveston, the initial locus of celebration. The holiday resonates nationwide as a poignant reminder of the long journey to full equality and the work that remains. Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, is a powerful symbol of emancipation and a call to action for economic justice and chance for all Americans [[1]].
Juneteenth is a recognition of the tenacity and resilience of a people who, despite facing unimaginable hardships, persevered. It is indeed a celebration of freedom and a commitment to addressing past injustices, specifically through initiatives such as wealth creation and homeownership. The holiday emphasizes that true freedom includes economic empowerment, a vital component of the ongoing struggle for equality.
The Evolution of Juneteenth
Initially observed primarily in Texas, Juneteenth celebrations involved religious services, picnics, and community gatherings.These events provided spaces to share stories and celebrate the hard-won freedom. Over time, the observances grew, and the holiday’s significance expanded. Its evolution reflects a broader understanding of its importance across the nation, as communities embraced the opportunity to reflect on the past and set a course for the future.
How did Juneteenth become a federal holiday? The movement to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday gained momentum through grassroots efforts and advocacy throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a federal holiday [[1]].
This federal recognition marked a pivotal moment. It amplified the holiday’s importance, ensuring that Juneteenth is recognized annually by all levels of government.It also highlighted the enduring need for greater awareness and action in support of racial equality and justice.
National Impact and Community Initiatives
The impact of Juneteenth reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas. Across the country, communities organize events to commemorate emancipation and promote education. These gatherings frequently enough focus on recognizing Black culture, heritage, and contributions to American society.
What is Juneteenth about? primarily it’s about celebrating freedom and acknowledging the long struggle for equality. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United states and encourages continued efforts toward economic empowerment and racial equity across America [[1]].
Initiatives vary by location. Many involve educational programs, historical re-enactments, and cultural festivals.These events serve as powerful platforms for community building and dialog. They also offer opportunities to address the ongoing challenges related to systemic racism and its impact on various facets of life,including housing and business ownership.
Practical Steps to Support juneteenth
Supporting Juneteenth goes beyond merely observing the holiday; it involves proactive steps toward furthering the principles of equality and economic empowerment.Here are some actionable ways to engage:
- Support Black-owned Businesses: Seek out and patronize Black-owned businesses in your area. This helps to stimulate local economies and reduce economic disparities.
- Promote Education: Participate in educational programs, read books, and watch documentaries to learn more about Black history, culture, and the ongoing fight for equality.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: support policies promoting fair housing, economic opportunity, and criminal justice reform. Contacting elected officials and attending community meetings are great ways to advocate.
- Volunteer and Donate: Volunteer your time or donate to organizations that are working to address racial inequality through education, housing initiatives, and entrepreneurship programs.
- amplify Black Voices: Use social media platforms to amplify Black voices, share stories, and raise awareness about critically important issues.
frequently Asked Questions
here are answers to some common questions about Juneteenth:
Why is Juneteenth celebrated on June 19th?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery in the state, more than two years after the Emancipation proclamation.
How can I educate myself about Juneteenth?
researching the history of Juneteenth and the ongoing challenges within Black communities is a great start: explore books, documentaries, and community events.
What’s the difference between Juneteenth and Emancipation Day?
Emancipation Day,january 1,1863,marked when the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect,declaring the freedom of enslaved people in confederate territories. Juneteenth specifically commemorates the day in 1865 when the news of freedom finally reached Texas.
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