Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is a celebration of culture, history and pride for Black communities across the country. 

In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday and June 19 is now officially Juneteenth National Independence Day. Most federal employees will observe the holiday on Friday, June 18th, since the holiday falls on a Saturday. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. It's also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.

What’s a great way to celebrate this holiday? Buy from your local Black-owned businesses. As of the 2020 census, there are about 124,551 Black-owned businesses in the U.S. making an economic contribution of approximately $128 billion. A lack of wealth, credit and property due to generations of systemic racism has limited economic opportunity for Black business owners.

Black businesses bring in an average revenues of $1.3 million, compared to $6.4 million for non-Black businesses. If Black firms increased their average revenue this means more jobs for the community and wealth for the Black community. 

So while many people will celebrate the federal holiday with picnics, parades and cookouts, inject some much-needed funds into Black businesses to help them grow and succeed. 

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