June 17th 2023.
As Juneteenth nears, it is a time for Black America to reflect and honor its beginnings and the journey still ahead. The celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people is a momentous occasion that is deeply ingrained in the cities across Texas such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Galveston, the origin place of Juneteenth.
For the entrepreneurs who achieved success in these areas, they are a part of a grander legacy, owning their own businesses on the very land of their ancestors who were the last to be freed. From 6th generation Houstonians to those who recently migrated to the Alamo State, these trailblazers are committed to the values of resilience and determination as the fight for freedom continues.
BLACK ENTERPRISE's tribute to the 168th anniversary of Juneteenth goes back to the state it was first enacted, to highlight those who directly walk in the footsteps of the last freedmen. To understand how Juneteenth influences their business model, BE spoke to each of these entrepreneurs.
Warren Broadnax, CEO of She’s Happy Hair, feels an obligation to the community. He leads by example by putting money back to the community and by being unapologetically Black. As She’s Happy Hair is core customers are Black women, they treat Juneteenth as a holiday, offering double-time pay for employees who choose to work.
Gerald Smith, CEO of Smith Graham, explained that his company always tried to embrace Juneteenth as something important. They are closed on that day as a sign of respect and to recognize that they sold their fixed income business to Loop Capital to create a major platform of asset management with two Black firms coming together.
Kim Roxie, owner of Clean Cosmetics Brand, LAMIK Beauty, experienced a moment of change when one of her major retailers scheduled a webinar on Juneteenth. She emailed them and two hours later, they sent out an email explaining that they are moving it due to Juneteenth being an important holiday.
Lamonica Orr, Love of Love Law Group, honors Juneteenth by attending events in the community, taking this day to rest and reflect, and ensuring that their clients know of its importance. Being able to elevate their communities is something they are proud to do.
Byron Lundy, Founder of iBrandMedia Company, feels honored to be a part of the legacy of those who came before him. He is proud to show up for his clients and push them to set an example for the next wave of Black entrepreneurs.
Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the strength of those who found out about their freedom late and it is an important opportunity for Black Americans to honor their beginnings and reflect on the journey still ahead.
As Juneteenth nears, the significance of the day has become increasingly important to Black America. The celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people is especially ingrained in the history of Texas cities like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Galveston, the origin place of Juneteenth. For Black entrepreneurs operating in these communities, the legacy of their ancestors is ever present. From 6th generation Houstonians to those who recently migrated to Texas in pursuit of a better life, these entrepreneurs remain committed to the values of resilience and determination, as the fight for freedom continues in a different measure.
In honor of the 168th anniversary of Juneteenth, BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to several business leaders on how this special day influences their business models. Warren Broadnax, CEO of She’s Happy Hair, believes it is an obligation to be transparent with the struggles of a Black entrepreneur and to be visible to the youth so that they can see what’s possible. Broadnax puts his money where his mouth is by circulating dollars within the Black community and treating Juneteenth like a holiday, including double-time pay for employees.
Gerald Smith, CEO of Smith Graham, says that when managing a business, it’s important to embrace Juneteenth and make it an official holiday. Last year, Smith Graham sold a fixed income business to Loop Capital to create a major platform of asset management, which Smith believes is something to recognize.
Kim Roxie, owner of Clean Cosmetics Brand, LAMIK Beauty, knows the power of Juneteenth when she emailed a billion dollar company about a webinar scheduled for the holiday. Within two hours, the company updated the date and explained the importance of the holiday. This experience made Roxie want to work even harder and impact other generations.
Lamonica Orr, Love of Love Law Group, honors Juneteenth by attending events in the community and ensuring that their clients know of its importance. By elevating their communities, Orr is proud to carry the legacy of representing Black businesses.
Byron Lundy, founder of iBrandMedia Company, believes he is living in the legacy of those who came before him and is proud to carry the banner for his family. Lundy is an advocate for rebranding the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce and pushing clients to set an example for the next wave of Black entrepreneurs.
As Juneteenth nears, it is a time for Black America to reflect, honor, and celebrate its beginnings and the journey still ahead. While the nation continues to recognize the importance of the day, these entrepreneurs are unapologetically Black and carry on the legacy of their predecessors.
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