Juneteenth makes space for Black joy. The annual American holiday on June 19 recognizes the celebrations that occurred after news of emancipation reached Galveston, Texas, in 1865. In 2024, there is still so much work to do to fight systemic and oppressive racism (and the responsibility can’t all rest on the people experiencing it), but taking time to relish in Black and African American achievements and centralize the community is just as important.
In Harrisburg, Young Professionals of Color (YPOC) has taken it upon themselves to spearhead Juneteenth celebrations with about a week of block parties, arts expositions and much more, all of which serve as “a celebration of emancipatory advancement and the return of economic resources back to the community,” the organization says.
YPOC is much more than Juneteenth, with committees, events, networking and endeavors all year-round. But in the season of emancipation, we wanted to highlight YPOC and four of its members dedicating themselves to being the change.
Meet Elyse Irvis
Who’s helping YPOC grow in all directions
As chief admin officer for YPOC, Elyse Irvis is instrumental in moving the needle. The granddaughter of K. Leroy Irvis—the first African American Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives— it comes as no surprise that leadership is in her blood.
Irvis emphasizes that Harrisburg is a majority Black and Brown city, but that fact is not always apparent. “For Juneteenth, all senses are ignited,” she says. “You’re going to be able to see the Black businesses, taste the culture, hear it.”
Irvis also runs a company called La Cultura, which celebrates and centers Black-owned businesses by providing space for events, art galleries and vendor markets.
As someone who dedicates her professional life to leading conversations around race relations, Irvis says it’s often “a back-breaking, heartaching experience.” She reminds herself day in and day out to continue taking her own advice, putting on the armor and engaging in raising money, building community and making a difference. '
Whoever you are—white folks included— Irvis hopes that you get excited and inspired to show up, to participate, and to be the change you want to see in the world, well beyond Juneteenth.
"You’re going to be able to see the Black businesses, taste the culture, hear it."
Aubrea Thompson
Is making community happen
Aubrea Thompson is YPOC’s Events and Culture Committee chair, otherwise known as the person who keeps community at the forefront. She spearheads events like the recent Women’s Hour at her very own CreaTV Studios, as well as the Black Arts EXPO being held on June 17.
Hosting events energizes Thompson, who recognizes the responsibility that comes with fostering community. “It’s sometimes the weight of the world on your shoulders,” she says. “Being a leader is knowing the influence that you have in an age where influence is very important.”
Thompson says she often lives by the motto “You can be the worker and the CEO.” In other words, doing the work is just as important as delegating.
There are times and places where professionals of color are not centered, including in Harrisburg. Thompson says YPOC has created a community where “you can be shown, and you can be seen, and you can be heard and not taken advantage of.” She adds, “Your culture can shine, and you can really be yourself with Young Professionals of Color.”
"Being a leader is knowing the influence that you have in an age where influence is very important."
Thomas Jordan
A transparent resource for all things politics
Who’s running for office? Just ask Thomas Jordan, head of the Who’s Running for Office Committee, which is designed to be an objective resource to keep residents updated on local and national election information such as election dates, who’s running for what position on what platform, what leaders are up to once in office and more.
“I consider myself a servant leader,” Jordan says. He wants to find ways to bring the community together and help create solutions.
For Jordan, Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate Black American freedom and highlight all the positive ventures that Black and African American residents of the greater Harrisburg area are taking on. “Juneteenth allows for positive organizations, people and leaders to come together and showcase their various creative, professional and social causes,” he says.
Jordan adds that Juneteenth is a holiday everyone can, and should, celebrate, saying it's "an American holiday that celebrates independence, uniqueness and community. And I think those are tenets that everybody, regardless of your race or background, can relate to.”
He sees YPOC as an opportunity for Black and Brown professionals to come together, build community and focus on positive engagement.
Cheyenne Johnson
Has Harrisburg’s youth in mind
She takes her role as a community leader seriously. “Being a leader to me means being a light and a pillar of resource for my community," she says. "I'm not gatekeeping information. I’m not taking resources. I’m pouring that into my community just as much as they’re pouring that back into me.”
For new entrepreneurs, recent graduates and others, Johnson says YPOC is an opportunity for growth and networking. You may meet someone, she says, and “they can be the next step in whatever direction you’re looking into.”
Cheyenne Johnson is a Girl Scout troop leader, real estate investor and property manager focused on increasing economic growth in urban areas, and leader of YPOC’s Adopt a Classroom Committee, in which she supports students of the Harrisburg School District. In other words, Johnson has her hands full, but it’s all for good. She’s an example that young people can model themselves after to see all the possibilities that they can indulge in.
"As a minority woman, it’s an emancipation each year of my freedom."
For Johnson, Juneteenth is more than a celebration. “As a minority woman, it’s an emancipation each year of my freedom,” she says.
Learn more about young professionals of color and Juneteenth HBG at ypoc-hbg.org and on Facebook @ypochbg.
