This day, Juneteenth, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and for communications professionals, it is a profound reminder: freedom delayed is still freedom denied, and progress without empathy is no progress at all.
This year, we invited leading voices in the communications industry to reflect on Juneteenth and what it demands of our field, not just today, but every day. What emerged is a call to action for communicators to advance equity, amplify diverse voices, and craft narratives that lead to lasting change.
For Rashidah Timothy, VP of Media Relations at Dentsu Creative, Juneteenth is deeply personal. “As a Black woman who is also a PR practitioner, it’s a reminder to have equity in every narrative we craft,” she says. At Dentsu, that starts with embedding DEI into the company’s vision of people-centered transformation. But Timothy also notes the challenges: “We have to have grace and allow for a teachable moment since it isn’t second nature.” Her advice to communicators: listen first, create safe spaces, and stay committed year-round—not just when the calendar tells you to.
Cheryl Overton, Founder and CXO of Cheryl Overton Communications, offers a powerful lens: “Juneteenth is a mirror,” she says. “It reflects what freedom means in America, who’s had access to it, who’s weaponizing it, and who’s still waiting for it.” Overton’s rallying cry is for communicators to act as “architects of belonging.” She warns against virtue signaling and performative allyship. “Inclusion is a strategy, not an aesthetic,” she asserts. “Let’s stop applauding ourselves for simply casting Black talent. Let’s focus on increasing Black representation at every level from brainstorm to budget.”
So, what’s the role of communicators in this ongoing movement?
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Acknowledge history and name injustice clearly.
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Move beyond optics to structural inclusion.
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Tell authentic stories that elevate unheard voices.
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Audit who is represented not only on camera, but in leadership and strategy.
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Be relentless in asking: whose voice is missing?
Juneteenth is a commemoration of what was and a challenge to reimagine what can be. In a world where stories shape understanding, and understanding fuels change, communicators hold immense power and responsibility.
Let’s use it.
