Rhonda D. Rogers, CPP

Juneteenth is a day worth noting and celebrating for three reasons: First, because it’s important we recognize the distinction between national decree and practical application. The Emancipation Proclamation was a national decree. It was important and necessary. To be who we long to be, we should acknowledge the ideal towards which we’re striving. Getting to that Proclamation was a national struggle, with a lot of significant fallout. We fought a war over how we would move forward together nationally (with all of its implications). That said, justice is just by application. Juneteenth reminds us that sometimes it takes physically meeting others where they are in order to personalize the freedom available to them.   Second, because we should see color. I’m currently reading a book about Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Color barriers were real and often surprisingly pervasive. Louis Armstrong, for example, was (early in his career) deemed “too dark-skinned” for the Cotton Club where the Duke played. Color is a part of our experience as a person. That said, how we value color (and the uniqueness of the individual) is something to which we should pay attention. Color is not the only marker of uniqueness, nor should it equate to an assessment (or assumption) of character. Kind is kind regardless of skin tone. Mean is mean regardless of skin tone. Juneteenth reminds us we should value an individual’s unique worth, even as we value shared character. Heaven is filled with people from all tribes, tongues, and skin tones. Unity is not uniformity. Third, it reminds us that change is often a process requiring a change of perception. One of the sobering questions we should ask ourselves is why the Civil Rights Movement was even necessary if Juneteenth exists (and only two and a half years post-Emancipation Proclamation)? Why Jim Crow if we fought a national civil war over (among other issues) race, value, dignity, and worth of all Americans? How can we have World War II veterans of all colors give their lives in combat and come home to different water faucets and bathrooms? The speed of progress resides in our capacity at the kitchen table to know what to value and how to apply that value with intentionality. People often conflate tradition with value. “That’s how it’s always been” was a trope often trotted out to justify wrongs. Just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t make it right. Just because everyone has done it for decades doesn’t mean it’s valuable. Humans have the capacity to perpetuate wrong as much as what is right through the justification of tradition and comfort. That is true of historically racist contexts, and it is true regarding other topics today. Popularity is not a good barometer for righteousness. There’s a difference between having neighbors and being neighborly. Likewise, there’s a difference between being a citizen and being united. In these United States, it’s good to have a reminder of that distinction.

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Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of freedom and resilience. As we honor the end of slavery in the U.S., we also renew our commitment to economic equity for the communities we serve. We are proud to announce that today, NMSDC-certified MBEs Black Owned Firms generate $66.5B in annual revenues. Let's continue to strive for justice and opportunities for all. If you want to learn more about other interesting facts about NMSDC-certified MBEs Black Owned Firms, download the Economic Report at https://hubs.li/Q02BrH3L0 #Juneteenth #EconomicEquity #JusticeForAll #EconomicImpactReport #NMSDC

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Empowering Reentry & Resilience 12-Week Reentry & Resilience Program Presented by Returning Citizens Association (RCA) At RCA, we’re dedicated to empowering system-impacted and justice-impacted individuals and their families, helping them build a better future. Our program equips participants with resilience, reentry skills, and community support, setting the stage for personal and financial stability. Solutions • Resilience Programs: Strengthening emotional adaptability for reentry and growth. • Mentorship & Support: One-on-one guidance from mentors with lived experience. • Family & Community Engagement: Supporting families for a strong reentry foundation. • Economic Empowerment: Training and employment pathways for financial independence. Join Us Today! We’re looking for sponsors, mentors, and facilitators to support this mission. Let’s work together to create brighter futures and stronger communities. #ReturningCitizensAssociation #TappedInMagazine #Resilience #ReentryProgram #CommunitySupport #EconomicEmpowerment #Mentorship #DonateToday #Sponsorship

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These events are free to attend and we need to hear from local businesses about the challenges and opportunities they face and how the skills agenda can help. Some great work has been done in Phase 1 and we want to highlight what Phase 2 can do to support your business. #skills #norfolksmes #business

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