With Juneteenth on Friday, we take a look back at last year, when Gonzaga University hosted the Spokane NAACP Juneteenth Fireside Chat, featuring former Seahawks Super Bowl champion Cliff Avril. Alongside Spokane NAACP President Lisa Gardner, he discussed the profound importance of community, strong leadership, and the ongoing struggle for liberation. The event aimed to inspire and educate, particularly the younger generation, about their role in inheriting and shaping the future of the NAACP and their communities.

Cliff Avril emphasized the need for collective service and mutual support, asking, "If we don't help each other, who is going to help us?" The discussion also touched on the significance of seeking knowledge, especially in areas like Spokane, where historical and cultural heritage may not always be readily discussed. The fireside chat served as a vital reminder that Juneteenth not only commemorates the end of enslavement in the United States but also underscores the continuous fight for freedom and liberation, a struggle that requires constant collaboration and upliftment within the community.

The event reinforced the message that while the Fourth of July marks the nation's independence, Juneteenth represents the ongoing pursuit of freedom for those who were enslaved, a pursuit that demands daily commitment and celebration of growth within both the Black community and the broader collective.