Frederica Freyberg:
This week, millions of people across the country celebrate June 19th, also known as Juneteenth Day. The date marks the end of slavery in 1865. A Wisconsin-based organization purposely broke ground on June 19th on its center to help Black Wisconsinites. Hundreds took part in the groundbreaking celebration of the Center for Black Excellence and Culture Complex on Madison’s south side. The $33 million project is the long-time vision of Reverend Alex Gee. He says the center will cultivate Black history, education, culture and innovation in his childhood community and across the state.

Alex Gee:
Today, we break the ground beneath us, but tomorrow we break the mold by inspiring future young Black history makers who will embody the essence and the power of the dream of our ancestors. This was their dream on Juneteenth Day, June 19th, 1865, when the word of freedom finally reached their weary but ready ears.