Celebrating Juneteenth
This month, we celebrate Juneteenth.
June 19th, 1865 marked the day that enslaved Africans were freed from slavery. The first official Juneteenth celebration occurred the following year, and has since become an annual tradition. Modern day Juneteenth celebrates Black liberation and achievement, to “promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of Black history and culture.” To learn more about the origins of Juneteenth, click here.
All over Vermont, there will be celebrations and reflections in honor of Juneteenth. Although celebrating this important holiday helps bring joy and remembrance of ancestors, our state still has a long way to go in addressing systemic racism and harm to its BIPOC communities. Still, we want to recognize the work that BIPOC across the state have dedicated to this year’s celebration. This month’s newsletter includes a spotlight on Tyeastia Green, the Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for the City of Burlington, who is organizing the first city-sponsored Juneteenth. It also features cover art created by Juniper Creative LLC, a Black and Dominican family artist collective. Additionally, check out our Events and News section for ways to get involved with Juneteenth near you!
Get to Know VT PoC
Businesses and People
Tyeastia Green
DIRECTOR OF RACIAL EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING IN BURLINGTON
Tyeastia Green arrived to Vermont a year ago to serve as the Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for Burlington. Green previously lived in Minneapolis, and worked on racial equity initiatives for Bloomington, MN, including creating an antiracism curriculum for city employees. Though Tyeastia moved to Burlington as the pandemic shutdown began, she has already contributed to a shifting of culture in the city. The best way to support BIPOC professionals, she says, “is to invest in them, their communities, their health and being.” Tyeastia is leading the charge on Burlington’s first city-sponsored Juneteenth, which will allow the community to engage and learn, while celebrating the resiliency of Black people.
Read the rest of the story at this link.
Updates and Resources
Events
BIPOC Vaccination Clinics
The BIPOC Clinics in Burlington, run by our Vermont Health Equity Initiative, are still running each Saturday at Cathedral Church of St. Paul! Do your part for your community – get vaccinated!
Click this link to register now if you still need an appointment.
Burlington’s Juneteenth Celebration
The City of Burlington is hosting a citywide celebration the weekend of June 19th, 2021 with musical performances, art installations, food vendors, educational opportunities, and more.
Get the details on each event here!Montpelier Juneteenth Celebration
The celebration and reflections will be focused on the word ‘Liberation’ and Black History in Vermont, and make space to discuss the continued impacts of systemic racism in our state.
Click this link for access to the event page!Upward Bound Career and College Exploration
Interested in mentoring for BIPOC youth as a career professional?
Contact Haydee at hmiranda@uvm.edu and include your availability and field of expertise. Click this link to learn more about Upward Bound!
News
Vermont Health Equity Initiative (VHEI) Launch
VHEI is a community partner organization managed by VTPoC, dedicated to the health of Vermont’s BIPOC community. The Initiative is leading vaccination efforts for BIPOC in Chittenden County.
Click here for VHEI website or
click here for VT Digger’s story on the launch.“Delicious Tamales” Coming to Rutland Soon!
Ibjar Meneses is opening a restaurant in Rutland, called Delicious Tamales, serving authentic Mexican food from a storefront in the southwestern part of the city. He is excited to bring something new to Rutland!
Read the full story at VTDigger.Comcast Rise Provides Free Consulting
Comcast RISE is a new initiative launched by Comcast to support BIPOC-owned small businesses. Qualifying businesses can apply to receive consulting, media and creative production services!
Apply at the link here.Student Anti-Racism Network
Students from all over VT are joining together for racial equity and justice in our schools. Do you know of students that would be interested in getting involved?
Fill out the form at this link!