June 18, 2023
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 28, Issue 22
FREE
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community” O u r D a y, O u r F r e e do m :
Emmanuel Ellerbee
BEE’S BELIEVERS
By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.
By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.
Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” is a very important day for Black people, and even though it should have been recognized sooner, this day became a federal holiday in 2021 by President Biden. Jamelle Bouie said, “Juneteenth may mark just one moment in the struggle for emancipation, but the holiday gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved Black
One NFL player is giving back to his community through his nonprofit Bee’s Believers, founded by Emmanuel Ellerbee. Bee’s Believers was created in 2021 to get kids interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), in conjunction with athletics. In the African American community, there is this misconception that you must be a rapper or an athlete to be successful, and Ellerbee “wants to show kids about the options they have in their life.” He made it known that people talk about school, but not in a way to where it is glamorized or praised, and when it comes to performing and playing professional sports, “only a small percentage of people are going to be able to play professionally, or even become a performer or artist at a very high level.” Ellerbee tells his student athletes that if they have a passion for sports and obtaining a career within the arts, he encourages them Americans to the cause of human freedom.” to follow their passion, but to understand Juneteenth dates back to Galveston, Texas on that there are other careers and opportunities June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived and available as well. For their artist and student announced the freedom of slaves. Technically athletes to visualize this, Bee’s Believers they were already free, but they didn’t know it. exposes them to different career avenues Two and a half years prior, the Emancipation by bringing in different speakers, Proclamation was signed by Juneteenth so they hear from different Believers Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. on pg. 3 individuals who are working in on pg. 5 various STEAM fields.
happy father’s day