Celebrate Juneteenth…. together!
Today, Monday, June 19 marks Juneteenth Independence Day in 2023. This day has significant historical importance in the United States as it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation that declared slavery to be illegal in the United States.
In 2021, President Biden officially proclaimed Juneteenth as a federal holiday. At the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, the president stated, “By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day, and learn from our history, and celebrate progress, and grapple with the distance we have come but the distance we have to travel. Juneteenth not only commemorates the past. It calls to action today.” This proclamation highlights the importance of reflecting on our history, celebrating the progress we have made and working together toward equity and equality.

At A&P International, our constant mission is to serve the Global Supplier Diversity Community, and our hope is to see diversity represented in leadership and thrive in the marketplace. We celebrate the progress made to provide more opportunities to black entrepreneurs and business owners, and how these people have taken the opportunity to a whole other level and excel. It is our honor to come alongside these business owners as they climb the ladder of success in their industries and now provide opportunities for others to grow, as well. This is how we grow… together! This is also how we will continue to progress in our country and in our economy. We must remember that we are a
nation, a society, a community, a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, races, backgrounds, etc. that must work together as one stronghold towards our own fortitude and prosperity.
According to D. Steve Boland of Fortune, “Recent census data shows that there are 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the U. S., generating $206 billion in annual revenue and supporting 3.56 million U.S. jobs. That’s millions of people filling the needs of our local communities and creating jobs for workers of all backgrounds.”
The matter of fact that this was published after the pandemic demonstrates the continued strength and endurance of black businesses and the advancement of the community in our nation.
On this Juneteenth, we invite you to join us in celebrating and reflecting on our country’s history, as well as reaffirming our commitment to the values that have made the United States of America, the greatest nation in the world. Together, we can continue to build a better future for all.
Happy Juneteenth!

Juan Pablo Benítez Quintero
Translation Services Coordinator