Leaders of Black community receive honors at AFRO Juneteenth breakfast

By AFRO Staff 

The AFRO American Newspapers, now 131 years old, hosted the company’s 2024 Juneteenth breakfast on June 19 at the Center Club in downtown Baltimore.

The event was a celebration of the Black Press and leaders in the Black community who have helped push the race forward.

“So often we want to honor people after they have died,” AFRO CEO and Publisher Dr. Frances Toni Draper. “I believe that it’s important to give people their flowers while they are still living— especially those who have made so many important contributions to our community.”

“It’s good for people of all ages to be able to meet and celebrate those in our community who continue to do so much for the uplifting of our communities,” she said.

All four honorees, legendary activist and educator Dr. Thelma T. Daley, NNPA Chairman and President Dr. Benjamin Chavis, NNPA Chairman Bobby Henry Sr. and Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, leader of Root Branch Media Group, were present for the event.

The breakfast attracted attendees from all walks of life, including elected officials like Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, who addressed the crowd in an all white suit, complete with a nod to Juneteenth on his shirt. 

“Today is a day to be celebrated, it’s a day to remember and reflect, but most importantly it is today to rejoice and celebrate the successful struggle to end slavery in this country,” said Scott. “We have to continue the fight.”

Scott praised the Black Press for recording the triumphs and challenges faced by African Americans and the hard work done to pass Black history from generation to generation.

“We know that for much of our history, the true story of that struggle and those who fought for freedom were passed down by word of mouth, through stories told from friend to friend and family member to family member,” he said. “I’m moved to be in this room with all of you and the legacy that you all represent to all of our honorees. The AFRO, for its entire existence, has served and honored that sacred responsibility.” 

Dr. Kaysona Wise Whitehead, who served as keynote speaker, addressed the importance of Juneteenth, which is now federally recognized across the United States. The holiday is celebrated on June 19 of each year in honor of the day that slaves in Texas learned the Emancipation Proclamation had freed all slaves in Confederate territories that seceded from the Union nearly two years before, on Jan. 1, 1863. 

“People don’t understand where you come from, being formerly enslaved,” said Dr. Whitehead, reminding the audience that Black Press began “when Black folks couldn’t even read,” and “had to run away to the woods to get even an inkling education.” 

“We have to uplift what that means,” she said. “If we don’t tell the world about Black history they will never know. And for those who do know, who are extremely conservative, they will act like they never heard. They’ll pretend they can erase us.” 

“Our duty, our responsibility is to hold up the banner of Black history to remind the world over and over again that we are the cradle of civilization, Black literature, Black understanding, Black family, Black tenacity and dare I add– Black joy,” said Dr. Whitehead.

Each of the honorees received a specialized front page of the AFRO with a story about their life and the work they’ve done in the community. Near the end of the event, Dr. Chavis echoed Whitehead’s sentiments, acknowledging Juneteenth 2024 as a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. 
“We have something to be joyous about,” he said. “We’re joyful for the success and progress, the history and the contemporary impact of the AFRO and all of our newspapers.”

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