Khan points to a “major gap in business financing and they need the support” since many of the Black-owned businesses had local business licenses but not state licenses, which allow entrepreneurs to apply for federal aid and taxes. Many such businesses lacked accounting software, meaning funds weren’t always properly reconciled.
“They need the business training. They need the mentorship to help increase their numbers so they can be successful small businesses. They need assistance with reducing the ethnic income gaps,” she said.
Others agree.
“There is a difference of economics, and that’s one thing that we need to do our part in assisting and raising their level of economics, especially for our Indigenous people,” says Iz Bellato, the community engagement specialist for the Delaware Arts Museum.
The national observance of Juneteenth, which Bellato argues should have been made a federal holiday years ago, is a step, he believes, toward addressing issues such as racism, healthcare, economic development, and political involvement.
“It took years for this to be built out for it to even be federally recognized by the United States,” said Bellato. “This is the real Independence Day of the United States of America because now we can all be free.”
Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day or Black Independence Day, is not only a day to celebrate freedom, but also to educate and empower one another while advocating for change in Delaware.
“It’s not really about, ‘Let’s romanticize something that was negative that happened’ …But let’s empower the people who’ve been [impacted] by it. Let’s help them. Let’s do our part,” he said.
And to empower the community, according to Bellato, The Delaware Arts Museum will host its 4th annual “Beyond Juneteenth” event on Sunday, June 18. This event sparks conversations on actions “beyond” Juneteenth to empower the community.
The event is a “Afroposium” exhibition that will include workshops ranging from discussions on economic growth and healthy eating habits, panel discussions, cultural music, films, and food.
