By Richard Waring, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Charleston Chamber
Juneteenth is the oldest celebrated commemoration of the abolishment of slavery, as an institution, in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, effective January 1, 1863, was not formally communicated to its intended audience until two and a half years later. Although freedom was delayed, it was not denied and in June 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday.
I approach this opportunity with the sensitivity that it deserves and the cultural awareness that it commands. While we reflect on past hardships and the resiliency of a people, we can celebrate the progress and achievements of African Americans throughout our nation. Through systemic inequities that were evident in our nation’s history, African Americans are on a continuous mission to be included in spaces where exclusion was the norm.
While nearly impossible, if not improbable, to course correct what has happened in the past, we can be intentional about weaving equity into the fabric of our region and our nation, going forward. These efforts must be collaborative and will require an approach that is hyper aware on providing sustainable assistance for the vulnerable, awareness of what opportunities present themselves and ongoing education that will keep equality at the forefront of our plans to progress.
As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Charleston Metro Chamber, the soon opening International African American Museum, strong alliances with partner agencies and an evident commitment to equity and inclusion, we are all positioned to see an evolving community that is dedicated to the welfare and success of all.
Personally, I am most encouraged by the collaborative efforts of caring people who want everyone to have access to an enriched life. There is no way we can guarantee nor predict equity of outcomes for individuals, but we can strive towards equity of opportunity for all.
The work that we have committed to is endorsed by our region, our communities and our members. Partnerships with organizations like Bank of America, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Ingevity, agencies such as the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development, HI Mark Capital, Palmetto Goodwill and the Coastal Community Foundation, help us to remain focused on the issues that affect all people that are struggling from past injustices.
I am passionate about the level of intent and concentrated action that the Chamber puts into listening to and recognizing the needs of our region. Daily, I am blessed with the opportunity to work with a talented and equally passionate team of professionals who are focused on presenting tangible solutions to our region’s greatest opportunities.
Juneteenth provides us with the opportunity to take a second look. A second look at how to make things better, more equitable, more inclusive for all citizens. Through meaningful, and often difficult, conversations, we can purposefully provide remedies that are centered upon good faith and fair dealings.
Together and only together, can we continue to thoughtfully address the most pressing concerns under which we are currently operating. We can all take part in the rapidly growing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion – platforms that are dedicated to policy concerns and local talent development in a sincere and genuine effort to offer a better path forward.
Thank you for celebrating this very special holiday with us, let us continue to move forward together.
Herbert L. Drayton III, Managing Partner at HI Mark Capital and member of The Strategic Thinking Group, along with Richard Waring, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Chamber, took time to share their insights on Juneteenth and what it means to them and our community.To learn more about the Chamber’s work and programming in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or to learn more about the Strategic Thinking Group, visit https://www.charlestonchamber.org/dei/
