The celebration of Juneteenth has come and gone, but we continue to celebrate Black Excellence every day, recognizing the remarkable contributions and resilience of Black individuals and communities throughout history. It is essential that we continue to honor and uplift Black voices, support Black-owned businesses, and engage in ongoing dialogue to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
Amplifying Black voices is a powerful way to celebrate Black Excellence. Seek out literature, art, and media created by Black artists, authors, and filmmakers. Embrace diverse perspectives and stories that reflect the richness of Black experiences. By doing so, we expand our understanding, challenge stereotypes, and promote cultural appreciation.
Economic empowerment is vital in celebrating Black Excellence. Support Black-owned businesses to contribute to the growth and success of Black entrepreneurs, strengthening their communities and promoting economic equity. Find resources for supporting Black owned businesses in Tulsa at the end of this post.
Meaningful dialogue about racial equity and justice is crucial. Engage in ongoing education and awareness to foster understanding and empathy. All Souls offers a number of opportunities to engage in these dialogues, including Shādz, REWIRE, DIVE and All Souls Reads. Learn more at allsoulschurch.org/get-involved.
Celebrating Black Excellence extends beyond individual actions; it involves advocating for systemic change. Get involved in local and national conversations around policies addressing racial disparities, promoting equality, and dismantling systemic racism.
Ours is a commitment that goes beyond a single day. By amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, engaging in dialogue, and advocating for policy change, we can create a society that recognizes and values the contributions of all its members. Let us celebrate Black Excellence every day and work towards a future of inclusivity, justice, and equality. Together in community, we can make a difference.
Local Resources
Continue to celebrate Juneteenth & Black Excellence by diving into books by Black authors, checking out Black-owned and operated media, supporting Black-owned businesses and enjoying some of the best food Tulsa has to offer!
- The Victory of Greenwood, published by All Souls’ Jenkin Lloyd Jones Press, written by Carlos Moreno.
- Check out the Staff Picks list from Fulton Street Books, swing by for some literature and a latte too!
- Get the story and follow the news from Black Wall Street Times.
- Immerse yourself in the history of Black Wall Street. The Greenwood Cultural Center and Reconciliation Park is a great place to start.
- Check out some Black-owned businesses from this list by RootTulsa.
- Here’s a 2022 short list of restaurants from Black Wall Street Times: Five Black-Owned Restaurants in Tulsa to Enjoy during Juneteenth
At All Souls, we want to set the table for engaging dialog. BeyondBelief.online lifts up our free faith through the words of many, shining light on our service to others and the continuous work toward justice.
Contributors include our ministers, Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Bishop Carlton Pearson, Rev. Barbara Prose, Rev. Randy Lewis, and Rev. Gerald Davis, along with members of our congregation, staff, Tulsa leaders, and our friends from afar.
Read our other blogs on racial justice:
- All Souls’ Work for Racial Justice Continues
- 100 Years Later: A Reparations discussion & conversation around racial healing.
- Two Decades: The Call for Reparations continues
- Where do we go from here: Chaos or community?
- The Solution to Systemic Racism is Right in Front of Us
- Black Lives Matter: Collective Interfaith Statement from Tulsa
Portions of this post were originally published on June 19, 2022.
Cover photo: Volunteers repainting the Black Lives Matter mural on the All Souls parking lot, June 17, 2023.
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