Recap: 2025 Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study

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On June 19, 2025, Black Churches 4 Digital Equity Coalition partnered with Greater Grace Temple of David in Detroit, Michigan to host the 2025 National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study, a celebration of legacy, innovation, and empowerment that focused on equipping Black communities with workforce development skills for an AI-driven job market.

Visit DigitalEquityBibleStudy.com to learn more.

Download National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Toolkit.

Download National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Agenda.

2025 National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study was simultaneously streamed online, ensuring accessible participation from coast to coast. Minister Dominique Grant-King, Associate Pastor of Ebenezer Everywhere, served as the Zoom host. Over 200 people attended the in-person event at Greater Grace Temple and 200 joined the celebration via Zoom. The online audience of 6,000 people watched via Greater Grace Temple's website, Facebook, Impact Network, YouTube, and Zoom.

This pivotal event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and partners with insights and expertise that fostered discussions on equipping Black communities with workforce development skills for an AI-driven job market. See the list of speakers and partners below.

Speakers:

Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, Senior Pastor, Greater Grace Temple of David
Rev. Traci Blackmon, CEO & Founder of HopeBuilds, LLC
Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO, AnitaB.org
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)
Art Thompson, CIO, Department of Innovation & Technology, City of Detroit
Justin Moore, Civil Rights Attorney
Robert Branson, President and CEO, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council
Dr. Fallon Wilson, Vice President of Policy, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council

Partners:

Ray Arceneaux, Black Tech Mafia
Donovan Brown, Community Tech Consultant, Live6 Alliance,
Jurnell Cockhren, Instructor and Lead Researcher, Black Tech Futures Research Institute
Briaca Duesette, Founder, Animation Discovery Studio
Tequila Johnson, Co-Founder and Vice President, The Equity Alliance
Holly Rachel, Co-Founder, LocalTek
Alexa Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays
Johnnie Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays
Adrienne Williams, Research Fellow, Distributed AI Research (DAIR) Institute
Audrey P. Willis, Chief Innovation and Program Officer, Code Crew
Lena Winfree, Co-Founder, LocalTek

The 2025 National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study brought together key influencers from various sectors, including faith, technology, and education, all committed to advancing digital opportunity.

Educational Workshops: Attendees received training and resources that enhanced digital literacy, expanded access to technology, and prepared them for the future of work through hands-on training, workshops, and strategic partnerships. They learned about local digital opportunity initiatives and how to plug in and partner to sustain long-term digital opportunity efforts.
Leadership Speeches: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) delivered welcoming remarks. Attendees gained insights from an inspiring keynote address from national faith leader, Rev. Traci Blackmon, a pastor, teacher, preacher, and public theologian.
Music and Cultural Celebrations: Attendees experienced uplifting musical performances that embodied the spirit of Juneteenth and the drive towards digital opportunity.
Interactive Sessions: Attendees participated in in-person and virtual workshops on AI, data privacy, Public Interest Technology, tech careers, cybersecurity, and digital skills based on a mini workforce lesson plan in the Digital Opportunity Bible Study Toolkit.

The Juneteenth National Digital Opportunity Bible Study was made possible through the generous support of partners, sponsors, social media outreach partners, and planning, digital, graphic design, photography, streaming, and videography teams below.

Partners: Animation Discovery Studio, Aspen Digital, Black Tech Futures Research Institute, Black Tech Saturdays, Code Crew, Distributed AI Research (DAIR) Institute, Greater Grace Temple of David, Impact Network, LocalTek, Rocket Community Fund, and The Equity Alliance
Social Media Outreach Partners: Broadband Breakfast, HTTP/The National Latino Voice in Tech & Telecommunications Policy, and The Washington Informer
Greater Grace Temple Planning Team: Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, Leslie Cooper, Dana Felton, Bruce Harper, Megan Kirk, Deerico Loyd, and Veronica Phillips
Black Churches 4 Digital Equity Coalition Planning Team: Dr. Fallon Wilson, Tiauna Webb, Alexandria Dirl, Minister Dominique Grant-King, Ananda Leeke, and Jewel Love
Impact Network Digital and Streaming Team: Royal Jackson, Wendy Da'Cruz, Kyndal Galloway, D'Onna Kelley, Kyle O'Connor, and Redell Spinks
Black Tech Saturdays Graphic Design, Photography, Streaming, and Videography Team: Shadia Amen, Furman Barnes, Robert Courtney, Tia James, Raimi Mukhal, and Cincere Visuals

Short Video Clips

Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, pastor of Greater Grace Temple, shares his reflections about the National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study.