Juneteenth - A Celebration of Black Joy

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating Black independence in the United States, occurring every year on the 19th of June. The original proclamation was made on June 19, 1865, a day where Black Joy exuded from thousands of men, women and children as the news spread throughout the country and Juneteenth was born.

This webinar will explore tangible ways to uplift and support Black entrepreneurship in your respective city during the month of June in 2026 and beyond. Attendees will walk away with actionable key takeaways outlining specific ways to support Black businesses being that entrepreneurship has historically been a pathway to generational wealth and continues to offer Black youth an alternative career path to traditional education. Whether you prefer to celebrate from home or join the nearest festival, Juneteenth is a time where all are invited to experience the brilliance of Black culture, history and most of all, joy!

About Sonya Tareke
Sonya Tareke, MBA '20, BS '17, joined The John R. Oishei Foundation in 2025 as Manager of Administration. In this role, she advances the Foundation’s operations, fosters collaboration, provides seamless executive support, and enhances organizational effectiveness.

After moving to Buffalo more than a decade ago, Sonya has developed deep roots within Buffalo's entrepreneurial ecosystem and nonprofit network. Her approach towards racial equity and financial prosperity stems from her small business development background, primarily on the East Side of Buffalo.

Sonya has co-lead nonprofits and community organizations like the Good Neighbor Fund, which offers accessible, nondilutive grant funding to underrepresented ideators and founders.

Sonya is a proud alumna of the University at Buffalo, where she earned her dual Bachelor's and Master's in Business Administration. She is also an active member of the fifth cohort of the Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of Color.