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Avanza Reflects on Juneteenth and the Meaning of Moving Forward

Avanza

On Juneteenth, Program Director Edgar Zúñiga reflects on Black American history and how Avanza's mission to move forward begins with learning each other's stories.

With Juneteenth today, we want reflect on the history, courage, and perseverance of Black Americans whose struggles and achievements helped move this country forward. Forward, the name of our station. Avanza means to "move forward, to advance."

Here at Avanza, we believe learning about one another's stories makes all of us stronger. And as Utah's bilingual public radio station, we're proud to celebrate the communities that make our state and our nation richer, more vibrant, and more welcoming.

Many of the rights Americans enjoy today were secured through the efforts and sacrifices of the Civil Rights Movement, led by African-Americans. The story stretches back generations, including to Juneteenth: June 19, 1865, when freedom finally reached many enslaved African Americans in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

For many members of our community, including Afro-Latinos, Juneteenth is not only history; it also feels deeply personal.

To learn more about Utah's Black communities, Utah's Black history, and become involved, visit NAACP Salt Lake Branch, Utah Black Chamber, and Utah Black History Museum.

Juneteenth y el significado de avanzar: una reflexión de Avanza

En este Juneteenth, queremos reflexionar sobre la historia, el valor y la perseverancia de los afroamericanos, cuyas luchas y logros ayudaron a que Estados Unidos avanzara.

Aquí en Avanza creemos que conocer las historias de los demás nos fortalece a todos. Y como la estación pública bilingüe de Utah, nos enorgullece celebrar a las comunidades que hacen de nuestro estado y de nuestra nación lugares más vibrantes y acogedores.

Muchos de los derechos que disfrutan los estadounidenses hoy fueron conquistados gracias a los esfuerzos y sacrificios del Movimiento por los Derechos Civiles, liderado por afroamericanos. Esta historia se remonta a generaciones atrás, incluyendo Juneteenth: el 19 de junio de 1865, cuando la libertad finalmente llegó a muchos afroamericanos esclavizados en Texas, más de dos años después de la Proclamación de Emancipación del Presidente Abraham Lincoln.

Para muchos miembros de nuestra comunidad, incluyendo a los afro-latinos, la historia de Juneteenth también resuena de manera personal y profunda.

Para conocer más sobre las comunidades afroamericanas de Utah, la historia afroamericana en Utah y para involucrarse, visite NAACP Salt Lake Branch, Utah Black Chamber, y Utah Black History Museum.

Edgar is the Program Director of Avanza. A two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, he was born in New York City to Colombian parents and raised in Salt Lake City. With extensive experience at NBC News, Telemundo Network, and KUER, Edgar has dedicated his career to telling impactful stories across diverse communities. Most recently, he served as a Communications Delegate for the American Red Cross in Europe.