This Juneteenth let’s honor the legacy of resilience and excellence within the Black community. Amid recent challenges to DEI initiatives, it’s more important than ever to stand united and advocate for equity, inclusion, and belonging. The latter must be our North Star because, as someone recently said to me, ‘belonging is unconditional.’ Yes, it will take time for us to fully BELONG to a society that sometimes appears more concerned with division than inclusion.
However, we must remember that diversity is our strength, and it is through embracing this diversity that we can build a more equitable and just society. The richness of our varied experiences, perspectives, and cultures enhances our communities and fosters innovation and growth. Everyone’s unique background contributes to the fabric of our society, making it vibrant and dynamic.
The richness of our varied experiences, perspectives, and cultures enhances our communities and fosters innovation and growth.”
By celebrating Black excellence, we acknowledge the remarkable achievements and contributions of the Black community throughout history and in the present day. This celebration is not just a recognition of past struggles and triumphs but a commitment to continuing the pursuit of excellence and equity in all spheres of life.
We are particularly grateful to the African Americans in ADN’s community who continue to champion our work and pave the way for all of this to be possible. Their sacrifice and dedication is inspiring and we thank them for their exemplary leadership.
Taking their lead, we need to continue to focus on the positivity of diversity and the power of unity. When we come together, we create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected, where differences are celebrated rather than merely tolerated. This Juneteenth, let’s reaffirm our dedication to building a society where every person, regardless of their background, can thrive and belong.
As we honor Juneteenth, let’s reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead. We can use this day to inspire action and advocate for a future where equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just ideals but lived realities. Together, we can create a world that truly embodies the spirit of Juneteenth—a world of freedom, resilience, and shared prosperity.
As always, thank you,
Almaz Negash
