JUNE 2022: Young Professionals Perspective

Celebrating Freedom Extends Beyond Juneteenth. 

On June 11th, 2022 residents of Connecticut came together at Seaside Park to attend Fairfield County’s Juneteenth Parade and Harambee Festival. The day consisted of many celebratory activities from different groups,  organizations, and vendors. The atmosphere was full of happiness, laughter, and jubilant emotions. There were also many community leaders present, whose support helped make the parade a reality. One of NAHSE CT’s institutional sponsors, Hartford HealthCare, also sponsored NAHSE CT member Dr. Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS in her role for the parade as Grand Marshal. Dr. Lawrence is a Director of Breast Surgery at Hartford HealthCare, and continues to inspire our colleagues and impact our communities through her leadership. 

Rooted in honoring the importance of Juneteenth, the parade and festival exemplified unity, community, and true commemoration. This event brought so many people from all walks of life together. Looking around Seaside Park that day, it was powerful to see the breadth of organizations and vendors who continue to serve our communities through their various programs, occupations, and businesses. From food trucks and bands, to youth programs, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and much more - the atmosphere was charged with the strength of Black-owned businesses and organizations caring for and supporting residents of Connecticut.

Though it has only been a year since Juneteenth became a federal holiday, this day has long been honored by those with intimate knowledge of Black history in the United States and who continually celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth represents dedication to freedom and justice for Black people in the United States. And this celebration cannot be relegated to just one day in a year. It is a lifelong, continual commitment. As we take intentional steps to consistently carry forth the legacy of emancipation through our action and community support, Juneteenth can serve as an annual pulse check, where we can take the time to assess progress made towards achieving our mission to ensure quality health services are rendered to underserved communities. 

Last year (2021) was an important year as it relates to the experience of Black individuals across our state. Connecticut declared racism a public health crisis, and as of June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. While we celebrate emancipation, we must continue to address the crisis of racism and ensure that the generations coming after us truly do live in complete freedom. There is more work to be done. NAHSE is a national organization that is committed to improving health status, economic opportunities, and educational advancement in our communities and our Connecticut chapter will continue to advance this mission in every way we can - standing alongside all who are committed to being part of the change.