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More than remembrance
Juneteenth, the oldest commemoration to the end of slavery in the U.S., holds space for multiple truths.
It is a day to honor enslaved Black people who endured in a racist system. A day to recognize the long, unfinished journey toward equity. But it is also a day rooted in celebration—of resilience, culture, joy, and community.
Earlier this year, during the inaugural Arcora Foundation-Delta Dental of Washington Black History Month Mixer and Community Conversation, we got a glimpse of the richness that comes from community. Colleagues, community members, and other guests gathered in a space where they could be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Guest speakers Cortnee Blayton and Kimberly Reason brought authenticity, depth, and wisdom through their personal insights on the breadth of the Black experience. Their perspectives spanned history and the present day, exploring how the past continues to echo in our lives and workplaces, and how joy is not just a feeling, but a form of resistance and renewal.
The conversation moderators were Arcora President and CEO Vanetta Abdellatif and Delta Dental of Washington Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Monty Robinson, who are both Black. Together, they guided a rich dialogue on the necessity of joy as fuel for the soul, the enduring reach of history across generations, and the profound gratitude we carry for the relatives and mentors who helped shepherd us into a better future.