What does Juneteenth mean to my work in the Knight X LMA Bloomlab?
As digital revenue director in The Knight x LMA BloomLab , Juneteenth takes on a deeply profound significance. Growing up in Rochester, NY, a city with deep ties to the abolitionist movement, I developed an early awareness of African American history and the struggle for freedom. Rochester's legacy, including figures like Frederick Douglass, influenced my understanding and appreciation of Juneteenth as a significant historical milestone.
When my family and I relocated to Raleigh, NC in 2015, I was introduced to new traditions and ways of celebrating Juneteenth. The South has its own deep historical connections to Juneteenth, with many communities in the region having long-standing traditions of celebrating the day. Experiencing Juneteenth in both Rochester and Raleigh has allowed me to compare and contrast how different communities commemorate the day. It has broadened my perspective, showing me the varying ways Juneteenth is celebrated and understood across different parts of the country.
Fast forward to my work in The Knight x LMA BloomLab of Local Media Association where I serve as chief digital strategist for 26 black media organizations. Again, Juneteenth takes on an even deeper and multi-faceted significance. I recognize that I am a part of a long tradition of African American journalism that dates back to publications like Freedom's Journal and Frederick Douglass' The North Star. Celebrating Juneteenth ties my work to this historical legacy of advocating for the rights and freedoms of Black people. As Black media organizations inform and educate the public about the misconceptions, historical contexts and cultural significance of Black culture and communities, I reflect humbly upon my efforts to foster sustainability and independence of these organizations through digital transformation efforts.
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In essence, working with Black media organizations in The Knight x LMA BloomLab inspires Juneteenth with a level of significance that encompasses hisitorical responsibility, community engagement, education, advocacy and personal reflection. The work is no longer work, but a commitment and calling to ensure that the legacy of Juneteenth and Black media organizations is honored and that its relevance continues to resonate with and inspire future generations.
So join me and congratulate these brands who sacrifice their energy and effort to empower Black communities:
We are determined to tell true and informative stories about our communities. So often, communities of color feel that their voices and issues get left by the wayside and that cannot happen with outlets like us. Further, BIPOC community members may not read other papers to get their news, and that means we have to step up to the plate and deliver content salient to them