Juneteenth Isn't What I Thought It Was

I’ve always seen Juneteenth as a kind of Black Fourth of July—a day to grill, relax, and uplift Black businesses, somewhat like another Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was another chance to celebrate, to step away from daily routines, not work for “the man”, and honor the resilience and freedom of Black Americans. This year, though, I came to understand Juneteenth in a profoundly different way.

In my oversight, I scheduled a work event on Juneteenth. Not just any event, but a day for our Route 1 Seeds to Success Youth Academy to help on a farm owned by first-time Kenyan farmers leasing land. Yes, I scheduled hard work on a day historically recognized for celebrating freedom from enslavement. Before you come for me, Here me out! (Translation: You might be raising an eyebrow, but bear with me.)

On this Juneteenth, alongside young adults, my wife, and sons, we weren't just laboring on any farm. We were supporting Black farmers who directly benefit from their own crops on their own land—a true embodiment of ownership and self-sufficiency. This wasn’t about working for "the man," but rather helping a family plant the seeds of their own American Dream.

What struck me most was the realization that true freedom comes in many forms, including the ability to own and cultivate your own piece of earth. Here were individuals not beholden to anyone, thriving on the fruits of their labor—literally and figuratively. This was a Juneteenth spent embodying the very essence of what the day commemorates: freedom, autonomy, and the pursuit of personal dreams.

Juneteenth will never be the same for me. It’s more than a celebration; it’s a reminder and an opportunity to actively participate in the empowerment and realization of dreams—our own and those of others in our community. If you’re not working on a dream, consider supporting someone else’s. You might just find your purpose in helping others grow theirs.

This experience has reshaped my understanding of what it means to truly honor this day. Let’s think beyond traditional celebrations; let’s think about how we can contribute to real, tangible freedom and success for everyone in our community.