Roots Of Resilience Collective Newsletter: June
Feel the Pride, both Black and LGBTQIA+!
This June, we’re honoring the powerful movements that ground our work—celebrating both Juneteenth and Pride as cornerstones of resilience, freedom, and community.
Join us in recognizing these legacies and explore how you can help us keep growing and creating change. Keep reading to learn more!
Celebrating PRIDE and Juneteenth
June is a time of celebration! This month we honor and celebrate Juneteenth and PRIDE.
What is Juneteenth and Why It Matters
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black people in the United States were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a powerful reminder of Black resilience, liberation, and the ongoing struggle for justice and equity. Juneteenth is not just about history—it’s about honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and continuing the work toward true liberation for all.
What is Pride and Why It Matters
Pride Month honors the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing fight for equality and celebrates love in all its forms. It began as a response to the Stonewall Uprising of 1969—led in part by Black trans activist Marsha P. Johnson, whose courage helped ignite a movement. Pride is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the bravery it takes to live openly and the importance of standing up against discrimination. We honor the trailblazers and continue the push for justice, dignity, and visibility for all LGBTQ+ people.
👉🏾 Follow us on social media this month to learn how you can support PRIDE and Juneteenth.
Community Celebrations and Events: Get Involved!
This month there are lots of celebrations going on. Here are a few we think you should check out and show your support!
Juneteenth
Resilience and Renewal
📅 June 19th | 5–8 PM
📍 Sioux City Public Museum
Omaha Freedom Festival
📅 June 14th
🎟️ Find your tickets here: omahafreedomfestival.com
Black Heritage Saturday: History of Juneteenth and its Significance to African Americans
📅 June 14th | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties
Juneteenth with the AAMI
📅 June 14th | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ℹ️ More info: blackiowanews.com/african-american-museum-of-iowa-juneteenth-celebration-activities
PRIDE:
Omaha Pride Bar Crawl
📅 July 12th | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Billy’s Frog Bar and Grill, 1120 Howard St., Omaha, NE
🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite - Omaha Pride Bar Crawl
Rainbow Pride Tea Party
📅 June 21st
📍 Godega Market, Omaha, NE
Rainbow Connection Pride Party: The Tavern
📅 June 21st
📍 The Tavern, Omaha, NE
ℹ️ More info on both June 21st events: omahapridecrawl.com/our-events
Other
“Beyond the Braids: Summer Session” by Bumba Beauty
📅 June 20th | 5:30 PM
📍 Artifex Haus, Sioux City, IA
"With summer and pool season ahead, learn how to care for your hair in AND out of the pool during this interactive hair care and braiding class."
Melanin Market Omaha
📅 July 12th | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 1229 Millwork Ave., Omaha, NE
"More than a market—it’s a movement. ‘Welcome Back to the Block’ celebrates culture, reclaims space, and builds economic power for BIPOC entrepreneurs. The block is where connections are made, stories are shared, businesses grow, and communities thrive."
Community Tool Highlights: Stay Informed
Looking to take action? These powerful tools and resources can help:
Supporting Black LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health:
- Highlights the unique mental health challenges Black LGBTQ+ youth face due to racism and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination
- Offers actionable tips to create affirming, supportive environments
- Encourages regular check-ins, advocacy, and access to culturally competent care
Black History & Anti-Racist Toolkit for LGBTQ+ Families:
- Shares age-appropriate tools for LGBTQ+ families to engage in anti‑racism work, from toddler crafts to writing to elected officials.
- Encourages continual family dialogue and public advocacy, under the hashtag #LGBTQFamiliesForBlackLives .
- Equips families with creative activities to foster anti‑racist awareness and solidarity at home and in communities.
Explore "LGBTQ Families for Black Lives" toolkit →
Black Iowa News
“Black Iowa News is an independent news platform designed to highlight Black perspectives, showcase the Black community and amplify the voices of Black Iowans. Its platforms include a robust website, a growing email newsletter and the Black Iowa Newspaper. Support local journalism.”
🏛 Executive Order Tracker by CBC Foundation
Stay up to date on federal policy changes that impact Black communities. This tool provides:
- Legal status of executive actions
- In-depth impact analysis
- Congressional Black Caucus responses
Have a favorite resource or tool? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to share it!
Our Board is Coming Together Fast- Don't Miss Your Chance!
🚨 We’re seeking our final board members!
We’re currently looking for:
- Treasurer
- 1 At-Large Member
If you or someone you know is passionate about our mission, reach out to us at [email protected].
Building the Future of ROFRC
We’re planting the seeds for lasting change—carefully shaping the systems and supports that will help our work thrive. Here’s what we’ve been working on behind the scenes:
✅ Incorporation & Nonprofit Status
We’re officially filing our business name with the state as we take the first steps toward legal recognition. After that, we’ll begin the process of applying for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS—another big milestone in making our mission long-term and sustainable.
📆 School Year Planning
We’re working on a calendar of events for the upcoming school year so we can connect with youth directly in schools. Our goal is to be present, consistent, and engaged—creating spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered.
🤝 Community Partnerships
We’re building connections with local organizations in Siouxland (Iowa and Nebraska) to assess community needs and provide culturally responsive support. These trust-based relationships are key to everything we do.
📚 Program Development (In Progress!)
We’re exploring a variety of Afrocentric training and support programs rooted in community wisdom and cultural relevance. Some of the areas we're looking into include:
- Parenting Classes on Navigating Bias
- Foster Parent Training
- Child Welfare 101
- Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals
- Holistic Child Development
- Family Preservation & Reunification
- Culturally Relevant Training grounded in African-centered worldviews
We want our offerings to reflect real community needs—so if there’s a topic, training, or support you'd like to see, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your voice helps shape this work!
📧 Email us: [email protected]
ROFRC in the Community
This month, ROFRC will be out in our communities—attending events and connecting with you all in person. We’re committed to being present and active where it matters most.
📧 Have an event you think we should join? Reach out to us at [email protected]
Stay Connected: Follow Us on Social Media!
We’re now active on Facebook!
Follow Roots of Resilience Collective to stay in the loop on:
- Updates on our latest programs and initiatives
- Opportunities to get involved and support the cause
- Celebrating Black excellence and culture
This month: PRIDE and Juneteenth 🎉
Next month: Black Family Month
Take Action with ROFRC
Here are three powerful ways to make an impact this month:
Here are three impactful ways to make a difference this month:
✔️ Reach Out and Listen – Connect with someone who may be struggling, especially foster youth, LGBTQIA+ folks, or caregivers. Sometimes, just being heard can change a life.
✔️ Amplify Voices – Share stories, podcasts, or events that highlight Black mental health, LGBTQIA+ youth, and foster care experiences. Your voice helps build awareness and understanding.
✔️ Volunteer Your Time – Find a local organization supporting Black families, foster youth, and LGBTQIA+ youth and offer your skills or time. Hands-on help creates real, lasting change.
Together, we’re cultivating hope and resilience.
Let’s nurture this movement with every thoughtful action. 🌿
With gratitude,