In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, one South Minneapolis community convulsed in pain and suffered massive destruction. On Juneteenth this year, it celebrated the fruition of a project that speaks volumes about community agency and ownership, and how support from intermediaries, including LISC, can be profoundly transformative in building back stronger, and more equitably, than ever before.

LISC President Denise Scott shares a video message highlighting the significance of Juneteenth, which holds both pain and purpose. Scott urges us to acknowledge racial inequity as a crucial human rights concern and prioritize racial equity in our industry and beyond. Let's unite in honoring this day and working towards a fairer and more inclusive future.

LISC's work on behalf of the racial equity goals that Juneteenth stands for have taught us many things. Like how supporting small, Black-owned businesses is a critical component of helping close racial wealth and opportunity gaps. And that celebrating African-cultural cultural inheritances, like the beloved Southern tea cake, is a beautiful way to mark this weekend's holiday and Black history and creativity.

In celebration of Juneteenth, we are sharing a poem/performance by Ashley Rose, former LISC AmeriCorps member and an award-winning poet who is dedicated to using her art for racial healing.

By Denise Scott

On the eve of the 156th anniversary of the original Juneteenth, LISC EVP Denise Scott reflects on what this holiday means for Black Americans—and for the entire country—and how our national racial reckoning makes this commemoration more urgent, and promising, than ever.

Each month, we will pose a question to the OneLISC family, and share the responses reflecting our diverse range of voices and backgrounds. We hope these Reflections from the Field will be a source of inspiration and insight for us all.