A Juneteenth Reflection on Legacy, Liberation, and Leadership
Juneteenth is more than a commemoration—it’s a clarion call. A reminder that freedom wasn’t handed to us; it was declared, delayed, and ultimately disrupted.
I’ll be honest—I didn’t fully understand the weight of Juneteenth until some years ago. While I’ve always recognized the struggles of the Black community, the depth of this particular history wasn’t part of my early awareness. But the journey from Galveston in 1865 to where we are now tells the truth: the fight for equity, dignity, and recognition continues—especially for Black women, leaders, and disruptors shaping a world still struggling to make room for our brilliance.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor resilience. But we must also ask: What does freedom look like in the 21st century? And more importantly, how are we disrupting the status quo so others may truly live free?
For many, Juneteenth is seen as the “end” of slavery. But freedom was announced in 1863 and not enforced in Texas until 1865. That two-year delay created a gap between emancipation and liberation—a gap many still live in today. We navigate systems that claim we’re free, yet continue to bind us with inequity, injustice, and invisibility. This same gap exists in our institutions, workplaces, and even in our minds. We celebrate “diversity” without sharing power. We talk “equity” without changing access. We post quotes without addressing broken systems.
The status quo is comfortable, even seductive. It rewards silence, punishes difference, and convinces us that playing small is wise. I’ve seen too many women—especially women of color—dim their light to avoid being labeled “too much.” I’ve done it myself.
But Juneteenth reminds us that comfort is not the goal—liberation is. Disrupting the status quo means speaking when silence is easier. It means building when systems are broken. It means believing in your calling—even when the world tells you to wait your turn, when they guess about your journey, gossip about your silence, and misunderstand your strength.
Make no mistake—this path is not easy. Disruption is often lonely. Letting go of what once defined you is hard. And stepping into an unknown season takes faith. But it’s necessary. My journey hasn’t been easy. I was born with a speech impediment, labeled a slow learner, and told I couldn’t comprehend. For years, systems tried to define my limits before I ever discovered my potential. But I refused to let someone else’s diagnosis become my destiny.
So, as I move closer to retirement, I don’t see it as an ending—I celebrate it as the beginning of my next disruption. After decades of leading, building, and breaking barriers, I’m entering a new season—one where my voice will still speak, my hands will still serve, and my purpose will still lead. Just differently.
While many follow traditional career paths—which is commendable—I chose a different route. I didn’t wait for permission or position. I carved my own lane. From founding a nonprofit that has served Chicago’s unhoused community for over three decades to empowering women through authorship, coaching, and unapologetic faith—I’ve learned that disruption is not destruction. It’s construction.
It’s not about holding on when your season is over. It’s about knowing when to release, rebuild, and rise. We dismantle what no longer serves and build what our purpose demands.
Let’s view Juneteenth as a call to disrupt. It’s time to go deeper than celebration. It’s time to act.
• Reflect on personal legacy: What chains are we still carrying—mentally, spiritually, generationally? What cycles are we breaking?
• Examine our institutions: Are our churches, nonprofits, and businesses creating true equity—or just using new language for old exclusions?
• Lift as we climb: This means mentoring, funding, partnering, and opening doors—not just for those already in the room, but for those still knocking.
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom was delayed—but not denied. Now that we’ve inherited the fruits of that struggle, we must not waste them on surface-level progress.
Disrupting with Grace, Grit and God. As a woman of faith, I know my disruption is divinely inspired. I didn’t get here because of perfect credentials. I got here because I believed God called me—and I refused to quit. I disrupted imposter syndrome. I disrupted the lie that said I wasn’t enough. I disrupted generational poverty with purpose-driven prosperity.
But I didn’t do it alone. I was lifted by a sisterhood, a legacy, and a faith that held me when systems tried to erase me.
So, to every woman reading this: Your power is not accidental. It’s ancestral.
To every leader: Don’t just celebrate Juneteenth—act like it.
And to those feeling invisible in the fight: Freedom has always come through those willing to disrupt the norm.
The Future is in our hands. This Juneteenth, let us recommit—not just to remembering the past, but to reshaping the future. Let’s ask the hard questions, build new systems, and tear down the barriers still holding our people back.
Let’s teach our children that freedom isn’t just a holiday—it’s a holy call to action. Let’s write the books, lead the movements, launch the businesses, and serve the community. Let’s refuse to wait for permission to be powerful.
Because if Juneteenth has taught us anything, it’s this: Delayed freedom is not denied destiny. But destiny demands disruption.
And as for me? I will continue to write, speak, teach, and disrupt—with grace, grit, and God. I’m stepping boldly into this next season—still fueled by faith, still driven by purpose, and still committed to opening doors for others as I walk through new ones myself.
