The Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) will host its Juneteenth Awards Reception on June 30. The nonprofit’s mission is to support economic development in the Black community through education, enterprise and entrepreneurship.

“This celebration is more than an awards ceremony — it is a powerful reflection of the role Black businesses play in shaping the economic and cultural fabric of the greater Washington region,” said Aisha Bond, president and CEO of the GWBCC. 

Honorees include Kristina Noell, the first African American woman to serve as a Business Improvement District executive director in Washington, D.C.; Amanda Stephenson, founder of the Fresh Food Factory, which combats food deserts in Ward 8; and Yusef Henriques, who launched a genomics startup in D.C. to advance health equity for Indigenous and African diasporic communities. Also recognized are chefs Mac McAlister and Pinkey Reddick, owners of Flavorture; B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., president and CEO of Industrial Bank; and Denise Barnes, owner and publisher of The Washington Informer.

The awards reception is a featured event in the chamber’s Art of Black Business series, which honors entrepreneurs for their efforts to sustain, build and inform communities.

The Capital Workforce Innovation Consortium, a program of the Department of Employment Services, and BuildWithin will also be recognized as the Business Partnerships of the Year. Held in the spirit of Juneteenth, the event is not only a moment of recognition but also a call to continue investing in Black entrepreneurship.

“Juneteenth reminds us of the legacy of our past, while the achievements of these honorees inspire our future,” Bond said. 

While the march has been postponed, the organizers have said they are on high alert and will remobilize if the conflict escalates again.

What did protesters demand?

The national march was meant to gain national attention in light of tensions looming large in the Middle East. Protesters were set to demand an immediate cessation of US military action against Iran and an end to US support for Israel’s military operation. Many feared the bombing was a misguided aggression that could escalate into a larger and deadlier war. 

Also Read: Large barricades erected around White House and Treasury? Video sparks speculation

Who was behind the ‘Stop the war’ protest?

The protest was being organized by the ANSWER Coalition, National Iranian-American Council, Palestinian Youth Movement, The People’s Forum, CODEPINK, Democratic Socialists of America among many other organizations.

The coalition was calling for a massive turnout to deliver a clear message to the White House: Stop the war before it spreads.

However, videos on social media show construction crews erecting large anti-scale barricades around the White House and the US Treasury building. Netizens suggest the barricades and security could be related to July 4 celebrations; others speculate about the National March protest.

Donald Trump announced ceasefire 

Trump announced the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Truth Social. “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED! Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World.”

“During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL. On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, “THE 12 DAY WAR.” This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” Trump added.