Loudoun United Football Club seeks to educate and reflect on the critical issues that perpetuate discrimination against Black people in America. Hear from some of our players, Moses Nyeman, Zach Ryan, Hakim Karamoko, and Ben Mines, as they share the importance of Juneteenth and help us all better understand the meaning of the day and how to commemorate this federal holiday.
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and announce that all enslaved people had been freed. This came nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that slaves in Confederate territory were to be freed. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
Hear From the Players
Zach Ryan on what Juneteenth means to him:
“Juneteenth is a reminder of an important moment in our history. Our locker rooms and communities are stronger because of our diversity. Today, it’s as important as ever to reflect on our past, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and keep working toward a more fair and inclusive future for everyone.”
Wesley Leggett on the importance of Juneteenth:
“Juneteenth is important because it marks the true end of slavery in the United States, symbolizing freedom and justice finally reaching all Black Americans. It’s a day to remember our history, honor the strength of those who came before us, and continue the fight for equality today.”
Ben Mines on the significance of Juneteenth:
“Juneteenth signifies an important day in this country’s history that celebrates the progress we’ve made, while being a stark reminder of how far we have to go in the fight for equality.”
Hakim Karamoko on Juneteenth:
“For me, as a young black man, Juneteenth is a day to honor the struggle and strength of our ancestors. Those who carried the weight of chains so that we could carry the weight of dreams. It’s not just history, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we must still go.”
Local Resources
Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
- A valuable resource for those seeking opportunities beyond Loudoun County.
- NVBCC offers resources, networking events, and educational opportunities to help Black enterprises flourish in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas.
- Loudoun NAACP’s Committee on Economic Development works to increase employment and job creation and promote business ownership and economic empowerment among African Americans and other communities of color.
Follow Social Justice Organizations
The National Council of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls
