06/19/2026
While Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Americans learned they were free; in celebration of this anniversary, we must recognize the resilience and courage of those who endured slavery which led to that moment. Today, we celebrate all the heroes who fought tirelessly for freedom, justice, and equality.
In Central Florida, we are privileged to live in a region shaped by generations of Black leaders. From entrepreneurs and educators to athletes, faith leaders, and community advocates, generations of Black Central Floridians have helped shape our region.
One such hero was Harry T. Moore, whose courage and commitment to justice helped expand opportunity for generations to come. Along with his wife, Moore dedicated his life to advancing voting rights, educational equity, and economic opportunity for Black Floridians decades before the modern Civil Rights Movement gained national attention. As a leader of the NAACP, he organized voter registration drives throughout the state and advocated for equal pay for Black teachers. Tragically, in 1951, he and his wife, Harriette, were killed by a bomb that was planted beneath their home in Mims. Their legacies, and those of many others, continue to inspire the work we do every day at the Central Florida Urban League.
Juneteenth is both a celebration and a call to action. As we gather on this national holiday, let us honor those who came before us by continuing the work of empowering future generations. Together, we can build a Central Florida where opportunity is not limited by circumstance and where every individual has the chance to thrive.
Elizabeth R. Grace
