how it started

The JOI Movement was born out of a personal awakening and a desire to spark real change. In 2020, after the tragic murder of George Floyd, I attended protests where there was a collective call for justice and racial equality. It was during these protests that I first learned about Juneteenth and its significance—a holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved Americans with African descent. But despite the collective outcry for social justice, I realized that there was a lack of widespread knowledge and recognition of Juneteenth across many American companies and communities.

As I observed the state of affairs in the years following, it became clear that, while Juneteenth had gained some attention, it still wasn’t being treated with the same gravity as other national holidays. Many companies and organizations made little to no effort to observe it, and far too many people, including myself, were never taught about its importance in history. This sparked the question: How can we promote unity and raise awareness, not just for the sake of the present, but for future generations? The answer: The JOI Movement!

Our Background

I have always been deeply passionate about advocacy and raising awareness for social causes. Throughout my career in retail, I’ve recognized the power of businesses to influence societal change and drive positive action. This belief has motivated me to channel my expertise in marketing and outreach toward causes that matter, including true national recognition of Juneteenth and for the history of slavery to be taught truthfully and accurately.

The JOI Movement allows me to combine my passion for activism with my professional experience to educate, advocate, and create meaningful change. By leveraging these skills, I am able to spread the message of Juneteenth’s importance, helping to ensure that it receives the recognition it deserves in American history. Through The JOI Movement, we can all spark a positive national conversation and make Juneteenth an official holiday celebrated by all.

Slavery happened and there are many people that need to face it. It was ugly, cruel, heinous and vile. We need to talk about it! I believe we can all be educated about slavery in a way that states facts and helps everyone progress in a way that creates unity, not shame. The impacts of slavery are still here today in policing, prisons, the work place, housing, media and more. If slavery is taught adequately, we can overcome history, support equity and continue healing.