Orlando Moms Embrace Skateboarding Amid Juneteenth Celebrations and DEI Struggles

Orlando, Florida, USA - As we reflect on the celebrations surrounding Juneteenth this year, a mix of joy and challenge characterizes the atmosphere in Florida. Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in America, brought with it events and gatherings highlighting Black culture and resilience. However, these celebrations came against a backdrop of rising tensions regarding diversity initiatives, particularly in Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis‘ leadership.

One notable event occurred in the historically significant town of Eatonville, recognized as the first self-governing Black municipality in the U.S. Celebrations kicked off on June 19, with support from local organizations. Candace Finley of eSTEAMed Learning Inc. helped in organizing the festivities, voicing concerns about the impact of anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) rhetoric on her mission. As Florida grapples with DEI program rollbacks, the importance of celebrating milestones like Juneteenth remains paramount.

Black Joy Festival and Local Initiatives

In Orlando, the Black Health Commission organized its fifth annual BLK JOY Festival, emphasizing community, culture, and the celebration of Black joy. Janelle Dunn and Rebecca Desir took the reins in discussing this year’s festival plans, asserting that events like these are essential, especially in times when many cities are faced with either canceling or downscaling their Juneteenth celebrations due to political pressures. The threat to DEI efforts has caused significant concern among community members.

On a different note, engaging the younger generation in urban agriculture has become a focal point in Orlando. The Orlando Science Center has teamed up with the 4Roots nonprofit to launch a summer camp dedicated to urban farming and environmental conservation, targeting kids in grades 3-5. The commitment to educating children about sustainable practices and food production fits well within the broader conversation about community resilience and self-sufficiency.

National Perspective on DEI Initiatives

Across the country, Juneteenth celebrations faced challenges as funding cuts loomed due to shifting priorities at federal agencies. For instance, the Cooper Family Foundation in San Diego learned that its $25,000 grant from the NEA was revoked in May, leaving the organization on the hunt for alternative financing. Marla Cooper, the foundation’s leader, has vowed to continue the celebration against these odds. Similarly, a museum in Fredericksburg, Virginia, faced budgetary restrictions but remained determined to host a scaled-down event thanks to community support.

These national trends reflect a larger narrative regarding the perception of DEI programs and their connection to celebrations like Juneteenth. As articulated in Vanity Fair, former President Trump’s contradictions on the subject are noteworthy; he once claimed credit for making Juneteenth “very famous” yet consistently opposed diversity initiatives that seek to acknowledge and celebrate such historical milestones.

Engagement in Diversity Efforts

In this challenging climate, companies are still striving for inclusivity. Ahlstrom, for example, reported an increase in women managers to 21.8% in 2022, and ambitious targets for 2023 aim for 40% women in top leadership roles. Such corporate commitments to diversity are crucial as they combat prevailing narratives that seek to undermine the importance of DEI initiatives within our communities.

In closing, as we look back at Juneteenth 2025, it’s a reminder of the joy that comes from unity and cultural heritage. Events like the BLK JOY Festival and urban farming initiatives present a hopeful vein of resilience, even as political and social currents seek to challenge these very celebrations. For many Floridians, embodying the spirit of Juneteenth means not losing sight of the struggle for equity and inclusion.