Every Juneteenth, my heart feels heavy with gratitude and fierce with purpose. As a Black and Native American, June 19, 2025, isn’t just a date—it’s a reminder of the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas, finally got word they were free. That news, delayed by years, marked a turning point for people who looked like me, who carried the same blood and spirit I do. My ancestors, both Black and Native, survived the horrors of slavery and the theft of their lands. Their resilience is why I’m here, standing tall in a free America, and I’m so damn thankful I’m not on the other side of history, where chains and oppression were the reality for so many.
I’ve worked hard to carve out my place in this world. As a business owner, I’ve earned my own coat of arms—a symbol of my hustle, my heritage, and my pride. I’m blessed to live in a nation where that’s possible, where I can chase dreams and build something meaningful. But Juneteenth isn’t just about celebrating how far we’ve come. It’s about remembering the fight for freedom—freedom not just from the British Empire all those years ago, but from the systems that tried to keep us down right here at home. That fight for equality, for true independence, is woven into the fabric of who we are as Black Americans.
A Personal Connection to a Shared Struggle
Being Black and Native means carrying two histories of pain and perseverance. My Black ancestors endured the brutality of slavery, while my Native ancestors faced displacement and erasure. Yet they held on, passing down a legacy of strength that I feel every day. When I think about Juneteenth, I think about their sacrifices—their blood, their tears, their unyielding hope. I’m here because of them, living in a country where I can run a business, speak my truth, and honor my roots. That’s not something I take for granted.
But let’s be real: the fight isn’t over. Racism and injustice still rear their ugly heads in our communities, our workplaces, and even our government. As a business owner, I see it in the subtle slights, the unequal opportunities, the systems that still make it harder for Black folks to get ahead. Juneteenth reminds me that freedom isn’t just a gift—it’s a responsibility. It’s on me, and all of us, to keep pushing back against those barriers, to make sure every Black person in this country has a fair shot.
A Patriotic Fight for Black Entrepreneurs
I’m proud to be American, and I’m proud to be a Black and Native business owner. This country, for all its flaws, gave me the chance to build something from the ground up. My business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference. It’s about creating jobs, mentoring young Black entrepreneurs, and showing the world what we’re capable of. Juneteenth is a call to action for every Black business owner out there. We’re not just building companies; we’re building legacies. We’re proving that the American Dream belongs to us, too.
This day is a chance to honor the hustle of Black Americans everywhere—whether you’re running a corner store in Chicago, a tech startup in Atlanta, or a family farm in Alabama. We’re all part of the same story, fighting for the same goal: a nation where our kids don’t have to face the same obstacles we did. As entrepreneurs, we’ve got a unique role to play. We can hire from our communities, invest in our people, and speak out against the injustices that still hold us back. That’s what patriotism looks like to me—loving this country enough to make it better for all of us.
A Celebration for All Black Americans
Juneteenth isn’t just my holiday—it’s ours. From the descendants of enslaved people in the South to the innovators shaping culture in New York, from the teachers in small-town schools to the artists in L.A., Black Americans are the heartbeat of this nation. We’re a diverse bunch, but we’re united by our history, our resilience, and our dreams. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate all of us, no matter where we’re from or what we do. It’s a day to stand together and say, “We’re here, we’re proud, and we’re not going anywhere.”
As a Black and Native American, I feel that unity in my bones. My heritage is a bridge between these two communities that have fought for their place in this country. I’m committed to honoring that fight—through my business, my voice, and my actions. I’ll keep speaking out against racism, lifting up my community, and building a future where every Black person can thrive. This country’s promise of liberty and justice for all isn’t fully realized yet, but I believe in it. I believe in us.
A Patriotic Vision for Tomorrow
Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom, but it’s also a day to recommit to the work ahead. As Black Americans, we’re not just part of this nation’s story—we’re shaping its future. Let’s use this day to honor our ancestors by building businesses that empower, communities that uplift, and a country that lives up to its ideals. I’m proud to be Black, Native, and American. I’m proud to stand in a nation that, despite its scars, gives us the chance to dream big and fight for what’s right.
This Juneteenth, let’s celebrate our freedom, honor our past, and keep pushing for a more just America. Let’s make our ancestors proud.
With gratitude and grit,
Brandon.
Royal Zap 
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