Long Island Board of REALTORS® Celebrates Juneteenth with Inspiring Event at Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum

Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) proudly hosted a celebratory Juneteenth event on June 20, 2024, at the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County in Hempstead, NY. Co-hosted by LIBOR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the Queens Realtist Association of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the event offered attendees a chance to celebrate, learn, and be inspired by African American culture, art, and history.

Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans in the state were free. It is a day to celebrate African American resilience and achievement, reflect on the past, and look to the future. This year, LIBOR honored this significant day by bringing together members and the community for a memorable celebration.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of cultural food offerings, networking opportunities, and insightful remarks from LIBOR’s DEI Committee Chair and NAREB President Janay Malloy, LIBOR’s DEI Committee Vice Chair Felicia Smith, and LIBOR CEO Doreen Spagnuolo.

Among the esteemed guests was Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe (D – Westbury), who also addressed LIBOR members, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Juneteenth and expressing support for the Association’s diversity initiatives.

The event featured a guided tour led by Mone’t Green, Program Director of the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County, allowing attendees to explore the museum and uncover the stories of each hidden historic figure, as well as experience a special Juneteenth exhibit. Additionally, the inspiring art gallery provided a visual journey through African American history.

LIBOR President Kevin Leatherman expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "We are incredibly proud to honor Juneteenth and celebrate the rich history and contributions of the African American community. This event highlights our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come."

LIBOR is dedicated to honoring the past and building a brighter future by celebrating cultural diversity and inclusivity through events that unite members and communities. For more information on LIBOR events and for future programming, visit lirealtor.com/events.