CLICK BELOW FOR TIX TO JUNETEENTH DAY PARTY!

Rochester, New York – : On Sunday, June 19, ten homegrown businesspersons will be acknowledged for their resilient, entrepreneurial spirit in advancing Black culture in the greater Rochester community. The event begins at 12 p.m. at Taste of the Bahamas, 4705 Lake Avenue.

 

Do it for the Culture | Juneteenth Day Party by the Beach is a nod to the plight and progress of Black people in America. It’s a celebration of the pathways that are being created by Black entrepreneurs in Rochester. The event is an example of a hands-on approach in actively supporting Rochester-area Black businesses in order to help boost the local economy—an effort that could essentially help close the racial wealth gap.

 

Hosted by Rashad J. Smith, a local creative who generates and manages publicity that centers positive Black stories, the event will acknowledge how resilient Black entrepreneurs are despite centuries of systemic oppression that still echoes throughout Black communities. Awardees include entrepreneurs in health and wellness, comedy, business, community organizing, literature, entertainment, traveling, law, and more.

 

As we know, Juneteenth achieved federal recognition just last year. President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17, 2021. The federal holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves. On that day, over 250,000 enslaved Black people finally learned that slavery was outlawed.

 

“Black people continue to lead our own movements for racial and social justice, open our own businesses, and put our own lives at risk to address years of systemic oppression inflicted upon us,” said Smith. “Our plight, progress, and the paths we are creating should be recognized and supported.” Smith says Juneteenth is also a celebration of the diverse stories that exist in Black culture. By celebrating the success of local Black entrepreneurs, Smith hopes to encourage healthy conversation around collective work and responsibility and the impact of all people investing in Black businesses to help expand the economy.

 

Event Timeline for Sunday, June 19, 2022:

12 – 1 PM: Networking hour: Understanding the Grind of Black Entrepreneurs | Featuring 360 photo booth

1 – 2 PM: Do it for the Culture Award Presentation and group photo

2 – 4 PM: Day Party | Featuring music by DJ JK of Powa Squad International DJ’s