June 19th 2024.
Atlanta Life Insurance Co. is proud to announce that they will be celebrating Juneteenth for the first time in Georgia's largest city. As the nation's last remaining Black-founded and Black-owned insurer, the company is making a significant financial commitment to this momentous occasion. They are investing $15,000 to host their inaugural "Legacy Cup" in the Atlanta suburb of Buckhead on June 19th.
According to Paige Fenn, Atlanta Life's community and public affairs director, the event will be open to 300 people and will include entertainment, food, drinks, and other activities to honor the holiday. But their goal goes beyond just hosting a fun event. They hope to raise $15,000, and hopefully more, to donate to Booker T. Washington High School for afterschool programming.
"We saw a need for more events celebrating Juneteenth, and we want to make this an annual event that people look forward to," Fenn shares. "It will be a chance to highlight Black history and our culture through trivia and provide a space for partying with a purpose." The company plans to promote the event on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.
Atlanta Life has a deep connection to Juneteenth as a celebration of African Americans' freedom. In fact, their website proudly proclaims that for over a century, they have been defining the principles of stakeholder capitalism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company was founded in 1905 by Alonzo F. Herndon, a formerly enslaved person who witnessed the devastating impact of not having life insurance on families who lost loved ones.
"Mr. Herndon saw the need for life insurance at a time when Black lives were cut short due to racism and horrific conditions," Fenn explains. "His actions allowed for better options and reprieve during the worst moments for families." Herndon's story is a testament to the power of freedom and its ability to help Black Americans flourish.
Today, Atlanta Life is not only a symbol of protection, generational security, and economic empowerment, but it is also a thriving group reinsurance carrier. The company has evolved and adapted to the changing marketplace, remaining a vital player in the insurance industry. In October 2023, Atlanta Life was revived with the help of NBA legend and entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Johnson's company, EquiTrust Insurance, has partnered with Atlanta Life to support their mission of creating legacies and building wealth in Black communities.
Eric Holoman, the company's President and CEO, states, "We aim to serve as guardians of the community's legacy and stewards of its future." And this commitment extends to institutions like Booker T. Washington High School, the first public high school for African Americans in Georgia. "Much like Atlanta Life, it was the first of its kind and now needs a resurgence," Courtney Johnson, Atlanta Life's Vice President, explains. "With our new leadership under Magic Johnson Enterprises, we have been given the opportunity for a fresh start, and it is our mission to grant the same opportunity to Washington High School."
In addition to their social mission, Atlanta Life also offers essential coverage and helps insurers and governments manage risk, stabilize finances, and build long-term partnerships. Their unique approach combines strategic partnerships, reinsurance growth, and financial literacy initiatives to create a positive impact on communities and stakeholders.
As we look towards the future, let us remember Juneteenth as a moment to celebrate freedom and commemorate the journey that followed. Atlanta Life Insurance Company is proud to honor the hard work, vision, and fortitude of their founder and the achievements of others in the Black community. And in 2024, join BLACK ENTERPRISE in celebrating Juneteenth and the contributions of Black-owned businesses.
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