Local Media Association and Local Media Foundation support the work of more than two dozen Black-owned and -operated local news organizations through our work with the Knight x LMA BloomLab and Word In Black. The following are reflections from publishers on the importance of the Black press, how their local communities celebrate Juneteenth and what Juneteenth means to them.
L.A. Focus (Los Angeles)
L.A. Focus was born from a mission to amplify the often-overlooked voices within the Black community. Juneteenth, for us, isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a vibrant celebration of resilience, culture, and the unyielding spirit of the Black community. Our publication shines a light on the significant contributions and challenges faced by our community, particularly through the lens of the Black church — a cornerstone of our societal fabric. Historically, the Black church has been a powerhouse for civil rights and social justice, providing sanctuary and a voice for the oppressed.
The importance of Black-owned media cannot be overstated. In a world where narratives can be skewed, L.A. Focus stands as a trusted source, ensuring that the stories and issues affecting the Black community are reported accurately and with the depth they deserve. Our commitment goes beyond just delivering news; we aim to empower our readers with knowledge and resources. Through partnerships among faith leaders, politicians, and corporations, we foster a network of support and advocacy.
Initiatives like our “Shot of Faith” town halls bring community leaders together to tackle pressing issues, while our “Stop the Hate” campaigns address and combat racially motivated violence. These efforts are dedicated to creating a safer, more informed community. Our strategic partnerships, such as with the Knight x LMA BloomLab Cohort 3, allow us to leverage additional resources and expertise, enabling us to serve our readers even better. We strive to create a dynamic platform for meaningful engagement and advocacy within our community, both in print and digital media.
– JT Torbit, business operations manager
The AFRO (Baltimore)
Recently I was asked, “Why do we need Juneteenth? Aren’t Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month enough?” I carefully explained (even though I was disturbed and perturbed by the question) that Juneteenth, MLK, Jr. Day and Black History month are distinctly different. It was like asking why we recognize Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Don’t they both have something to do with those who served in the Armed Forces? They do but they are distinctly different and unique.
The same is true of Juneteenth, which addresses issues and celebrates victories that are not the focus of either MLK Jr. Day or Black History Month. Juneteenth stands on its own in terms of significance. Thus, President Joseph R. Biden had the wisdom and courage to declare Juneteenth a national holiday in June 2021. All 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.
Having Juneteenth as a recognized holiday alongside MLK Day and Black History Month ensures that the full scope of African American history and the quest for freedom and equality are acknowledged and celebrated.
As Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead, a professor of communication and African and African American Studies at Loyola University Maryland, wrote in a 2022 AFRO commentary, “Even though the Emancipation Proclamation did not legally end slavery (that did not happen until Dec. 6, 1865, with the ratification of the 13th Amendment), Black people have used that moment and every moment since then to make America live up to its creed to be both the home of the brave and the home of the free. Even though true freedom has yet to arrive, we recognize Juneteenth as a day of celebration, education, and agitation. We mark this occasion with tears and with joy because we understand that we were not supposed to survive, but we did.”
– Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and Publisher
Word In Black (republished from 2021)
Juneteenth is about us.
It’s about us recognizing our inherent liberty and freedom. The thing is, when did any enslaved person truly know they were free? Hell, Malcolm X was talking about the mentally enslaved DURING the Civil Rights Movement. When were the shackles truly taken off? And did they stay off? What reminds you of not slipping back into a place of subjugation?
No need to guess, I’ll tell you: It’s a ritual. A ceremony that takes all that and puts it in its place. I took for granted that I was born in a place where that was the norm, and others were just now waking up to the idea that we deserve a day of recognition that are NOT slaves. Who celebrates that? We do.
– Patrick Washington, publisher of The Dallas Weekly and member of Word In Black
How Denver celebrates Juneteenth (Denver Urban Spectrum)
The journey to Juneteenth in Denver began in 1966, spearheaded by Otha P. Rice Sr., a figure deeply connected to the Black community, Rice brought his knowledge of the celebration from his Texas roots and ignited a tradition that has only grown stronger with time.
Five Points has always been the heart of Denver’s Juneteenth celebrations. But the Juneteenth Music Festival, established in 2012, solidified the neighborhood’s role as a cultural epicenter. Now, over 200 vendors line the streets, offering a vibrant marketplace of Black-owned businesses and artistic expression. Local musician Gregory Goodloe is set to take the main stage, his soulful melodies adding to the festive atmosphere.
– Brittany Winkfield, associate publisher