Coastal Georgia Minority Chamber President Sabrina Newby announced plans to launch a unique, multi-layered “Juneteenth” initiative, which includes a social gathering celebration and an economic development piece.

 “The action would allow us, along with our community partners, to come together in an expository and celebratory way; however, due to COVID 19, we’ve postponed the social gathering part until 2021,” Newby said. “Nevertheless, we were intent on rolling out the first economic piece, which would assist with the recognition and exposure of minority businesses.”

Newby said Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. In 2011, Georgia became the 37th state to recognize Juneteenth at the Georgia State Capitol with the passage of S.R. 164, co-sponsored by State Senators Lester Jackson from Savannah, Donzella James from College Park, and Valencia Seay from Riverdale; the resolution was read and adopted on February 16, 2011

Newby said in honor of Juneteenth, the Coastal Georgia Minority Chamber will be introducing the Minority Small Business Initiative and also announcing Minority Small Business Week.

Last week the City of Hinesville signed a Proclamation declaring June 13-2, Minority Small  Business Week, encouraging, “all citizens to shop in minority owned small businesses in Hinesville and  Liberty County during this week and throughout the year.

“We will be unveiling more parts of the initiative within the weeks ahead,” Newby said.