Meeting Transcript

Good morning, everyone. I had to check the phone. Make sure it's still morning. It is a privilege, as always, to join with you on this wonderful ceremony where we recognize the contributions of our amazing and remarkable African American, not just community here, but throughout history. I was considering some of the words that were shared, and I just want to make sure, Mr. Yanis Barkley, that I highlight those words that you said, you do not define us, we define ourselves, how powerful that is. Before the state. So as I heard the word shared, that perhaps some of these celebrations may not continue. I say in the Sake, they're going to continue no matter what's going on. We'll consistently have them here. You know, in the past, I've always wondered why during Black History Month we speak so much of things that are hurtful and painful. And believe it was uh Ida B. Wells that said that the way you uh combat the evils of history is by shining the light of truth on them. And I realize these ceremonies become so important because you combat the lies, those that would suppress the contributions of our remarkable black communities, not just in America but around the world, is by highlighting black excellence, exceptionalism, by talking about those who have invented, who have written, who through art, through science, through education, through leadership have made a difference. It's important that we consistently bring this up and share it over and over to instill in our children to share with every community around us that it is not just about black history, it's about black present and what it means to his nation and about black future, because we cannot move forward without the contributions of all of our communities. As I look around at so many clergy, so many educators, so many officials, so many who have worked within their specific roles and utilize their platform to be a bright shining light for all to be guided and a beacon of hope in our community. I'm reminded, as you mentioned, Dr. Martin Luther King, who told us all that it sometimes necessitates the darkest hours for us to appreciate the stars because you can't see them in the light. That it is in this very moment, in the time that we are in where there is concern, where perhaps people don't feel as encouraged, where there is a lack of confidence, this is a time where we are called, compelled, we have a duty and an obligation to stand up even taller, to raise our voices even higher, to ensure that our ceremonies are broadcast online, social media, share them wherever you can to let people know that we will not be held back ever from celebrating these amazing and remarkable contributions. As Minister Ashley Comb uh had uh had shared in that prayer, and oftentimes when someone speaks well, you say, Well done. But when someone brings you into the very presence of the throne of God, we say amen. Amen, amen. And reminded, as you were mentioning, those who are in our fire departments, our police departments in all the different careers. Let us use these opportunities again, if I may reiterate and be short, because there is a keynote speaker and an excellent councilman, Dr. Terrence Love, who again I'll point to as a colleague, as a partner, as a strong leader, along with our city council colleagues like Councilman Tanya Mellow is here who pushed forth to ensure that we not only acknowledge Juneteenth, but we have a celebration where we have fireworks right here, and we bring families together and we continue these great ceremonies every single year. But again, I'll reiterate, let us forge forward and let us ensure that our children do not lose hope, do not get depressed, that they don't get filled with the thoughts that are being shared on the news because sometimes we get so wrapped up in the negative that we forget that there was a time in this country where not only black history, the accomplishments of the presence weren't allowed to be spoken about. Because when his very word was being suppressed, when those who were persecuting the people of God were looking to burn scrolls and ensure that the stories of his involvement in human history would not be told, who preserved them? Whether the Dead Sea scrolls found in caves or through oral traditions, he ensured that his scriptures would still be around today for thousands of years. I would say it doesn't matter who's in office in Washington. That is important, but I've said it before. And the preserver of black history, the one who will highlight, the one that will ensure that stories continue to be told and that we never forget is the sovereign ruler of all creation. So we look to him because when we look for our deliverer, we don't look up to Capitol Hill. We look to the mountain and we see that it is our Lord that is our deliverer. So God bless you and thank you. On behalf of the city, count on our support always. Thank you very much.