In what many would dub it, “the week that was” – DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) at its finest, thank you naysayers – three recent events epitomized the vision and promise of America. Those events; one, the sun-soaked crowd in South Chicago there to witness the opening of the Obama Museum; two, the New York City celebration of the championship starved New York Knicks basketball team; and three, Juneteenth celebrations that swept our nation.
Hey, say what you want – the World Cup and Olympics, okay, I’ll concede – but rare is the occurrence of one let alone three electrifying events that bring together people from every background imaginable. The powerful optics during “the week that was,” including images of throngs of teary faces felt like a much-needed emotional relief during these days of acrimony, divisive rhetoric, war weariness and the skyrocketing cost of groceries and gasoline. Folks are sick and tired of the okey doke, the daily doses of lies, fear mongering, hypocrisy and nonsense.
However, the following conversation with my friend, the enormously talented activist and author Sheila Ahmadi, and yours truly is our way of attempting to tie the three events together with a common thread of respect, hope and democracy.
Ahmadi
Terry: In my opinion, former First Lady Michelle’s speech was one for the ages. I was mesmerized by the scores of people who dabbed at tears including her husband Barack. Hey, the moisture trickling down my face were by no means perspiration. So, tell me what resonated with you most about that event, Sheila?
Sheila: Wow, where do I start? Well, I was deeply inspired by Michelle Obama’s down-to-earth message of hope, democracy and the importance of every person having a voice. Her remarks remind us that our democracy is something that belongs to all of us, that every person counts, every voice matters, every act of civic participation strengthens our democracy, and we each have a role to play in shaping the future. Her message is both timeless and needed today more than ever.
Terry: Were you similarly impacted by Barack’s speech?
Sheila: No Question. I listened to his speech with pride as he spoke of the enduring values that strengthen our democracy. His reflections on his journey beginning as a community organizer highlighted a simple but powerful principle: every person matters, and every voice has value.
Terry: I struggled to find the right words that best describe my reactions to both speeches by the Obamas. “Riveting?” Now that’s the one I arrived at, the one that resonated the most with me. What say you Sheila?
Sheila: Frankly it’s difficult for me to land on a one-word superlative describing their speeches. But on the other hand, when I heard some say that they were divisive, disrespectful and hateful, I rolled over in laughter when I compared their remarks to the years of racist things said about them, stuff too ugly to dignify in this space.
Terry: I’m glad you mentioned his early work as a community organizer even though with his academic credentials he could easily have joined any law firm in the country and made tons of money. That decision speaks volumes about his values and commitment to his community.
Sheila: You’re right. Throughout his remarks, he emphasized that democracy works best when government remains accountable to the people, when healthcare and other opportunities are accessible to all, and when human rights and human dignity are respected. He spoke of the importance of cooperation—not only among neighbors and communities, but among nations working together to address common challenges. Perhaps most importantly, he reminded us that democracy is not self-sustaining. It depends on citizens who are informed, engaged and willing to participate. At a time when many Americans feel uncertain about the future, his message was a reminder that voting matters, engagement matters and collective voices matter.
Terry: Some would say this his speech was too political. What do you think?
Sheila: Well, everyone has a right for an opinion but as I’ve said, Obam’s speech was not simply about politics. It was about the responsibility we share as citizens to protect democratic values, respect one another, and ensure that future generations inherit a society where opportunity, fairness and participation remain available to all. It was a call for us to remember that lasting change has always come from ordinary people working together for the common good. He and Michelle both reflected on the excellence, grace and integrity that is now missing from the highest office in our country.
Terry: As a basketball fanatic, the enthusiasm at the Obama event in South Chicago was matched earlier in New York City where thousands, again from all backgrounds and ethnicities imaginable, celebrated the Knick’s first championship in 53 years. Did you feel the same way?
Sheila: Oh yes. I’m a basketball fan and was excited about the Knicks win. Their success reminds me of something many in my hometown have known for generations: basketball has the power to bring people together. I recall as a teen the outstanding teams at Booker T. Washington High School in my hometown. On game nights, families, friends and neighbors filled the stands, cheering for talented young athletes who inspired pride throughout the community. Just as the Knicks gave New Yorkers and the country reasons to celebrate, those teams gave our community moments of joy, unity and hope. Their legacy reminds us that sports can build bridges across generations, inspire young people to strive for excellence and strengthen the bonds that connect us as a community.
Terry: Well, it sems that we’ve come full circle here from powerful images of the huge turnouts at the Obama Museum in South Chicago to the one in New York City in celebration of the world champion Knicks. How about closing our conversation out with any similarities with those two events and your experience as a Juneteenth organizer.
Sheila: Of course. Although I can’t speak on behalf of all the hundreds of celebrations that took place across the United States, I will reflect on the success of the 2026 Shenandoah Valley Juneteenth celebration here in Virginia. To begin with, I’m reminded that meaningful community events do not happen by accident. They are built through vision, dedication, cooperation and the collective efforts of many people working toward a common goal. This year’s celebration was a powerful testament to what can be accomplished when community members, volunteers, sponsors, presenters, performers, vendors, public officials, historians and supporters come together to honor history and celebrate freedom. The spirit of collaboration that made our local event possible reflects the very values that Juneteenth represents—perseverance, hope, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of a more just and inclusive society. So yes, I saw those values reflected in the events in South Chicago and New York.
Terry: As the founder of your Juneteenth celebration, how was this one different, if it were, from other ones in terms of participation, energy levels and impact, perhaps attributable to the sour mood of our nation?
Sheila: Actual we saw nothing but positive upticks in those areas. Since our commemoration in 2017, the Shenandoah Valley Juneteenth Organization has grown to more than an annual event. It’s become a community tradition, and a gathering place where people of all backgrounds can learn, reflect, celebrate and build relationships. It serves as a reminder that history is not merely something to be remembered; it is something to be understood, shared, preserved and passed on to future generations.
Terry: Well said. Now you get the final word here Sheila.
Sheila: What occurred over the past week should not be viewed simply as successful events, but an investment in our collective future. There’s no downside to bringing diverse people together, especially doing the turbulent times we live in today. The knowledge gained, the connections formed and the sense of community experienced are all reasons why celebrations like these must continue for years to come. Together, we honor the past, educate the present and inspire the future.
Terry: Thank you my friend.
Terry Howard is an award-winning writer, a contributing writer with the Chattanooga News Chronicle, The American Diversity Report, The Douglas County Sentinel, Blackmarket.com, recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, and third place winner of the Georgia Press Award.
