Most of you are aware that last Wednesday (June 19, 2024), many people around the United States were able to celebrate the newest federal holiday.

Although this holiday is only in its third year, I have seen a difference in places of employment taking advantage of this specific federal holiday.

Banks were closed, trash pick-up did not occur, mail did not run, and most federal buildings were closed.

It was Juneteenth National Independence Day, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.

Depending on when and where you were born, this holiday may not mean anything for many.

However, today, “From Dreams to Reality” is not about hatred, pointing fingers, watering down Juneteenth, or any other negative words or connotations. It’s about unity.

Today is about recognizing both the power of the pen and the people.

“Juneteenth was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. (Power of the Pen)

This historic event marked the first new federal holiday since the adoption of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.”

Juneteenth: History, celebrations and more about the federal holiday (msn.com)

When I think about when President Ronald Reagan signed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law on November 2, 1983, this is a true testament to resilience. (Power of the People.)

MLK federal holiday declared | November 2, 1983 | HISTORY

Essentially, from Martin Luther King Jr. Day being signed into law and then Juneteenth being in law, it was 38 years.   Believe it or not, we are officially celebrating an end to things like the Jim Crow Laws and what freedom means in America.

Jim Crow Laws: Definition, Facts & Timeline | HISTORY

Everything that happens on Juneteenth only reminds us how far we have come as a nation and people of color.

I am not naïve that racism will never be eliminated; however, I’m forever grateful to those who stood in the gap to help eliminate it for me and others after me.

As my parent’s rest in peace, I know they are rejoicing in heaven seeing the results of President Joe Biden signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

However, that doesn’t stop me from educating our youth and my children.

I must tell you that I had a wonderful four-hour Juneteenth Celebration at the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center in Birmingham, AL.

Knowing Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday, the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center held its program on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Additionally, because my Toastmasters Club V.A. Voices Toastmasters is associated with and sponsored by the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center, we were invited as a vendor in the program with other hospital sections.

I’m proud that the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center, which I’m associated with, supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Beyond (DEI-B).

It was the best four hours of learning in a while that was both educational and entertaining, particularly in the culture of celebrations that evolved on Juneteenth in 1865.

I was unaware of three specific things: the color of Red and the connection to Juneteenth.  (Red drinks, Red Velvet Cakes, and Red Watermelons.)

Juneteenth: Why red food and drinks have become powerful symbols | CNN

The second was the Juneteenth flag colors, created in 1997.

What the Juneteenth Flag Means – the Colors, Symbols, and History (oprahdaily.com)

The third was about the Birmingham African American Genealogy Group (BAAGG).  I did not know it was the oldest African American Genealogy Group in Alabama, established in 1999.

The Birmingham African American Genealogy Group Inc – Alabama 1999-2024 (baagginc.blogspot.com)

Never in my wildest dreams, when I joined Toastmasters five years ago, would or could I have imagined that I would be part of a program of this magnitude.  The theme was “From Dreams to Reality,” which says it all!

I don’t know how you celebrated your Juneteenth this year; however, I ask that you think about how you will take some time to reflect on the importance of Juneteenth next year.

“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” —Barack Obama