History gives us perspective. It reminds us that change is possible, that progress takes courage, and that the work is never truly finished.
In this episode, Chad reflects on what Juneteenth means beyond the holiday itself. Freedom is at the heart of this day, but freedom looks different depending on who you are and where you come from. What does freedom mean to you? What does opportunity look like in your life right now? What does equality still need to look like?
Juneteenth invites us to sit with those questions honestly. To honor the lessons left by those who came before us. To look at how other people’s experiences differ from our own. And to ask ourselves what we are doing, right now, to create opportunities for the generations that come after us.
This is not just a day to celebrate. It is a day to reflect, to learn, and to look forward with intention.
#SHARETHESPARK
Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
Makayla Wheeldon is the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at The SPARK Initiative, where she works to expand the organization’s reach through creative content, strategic outreach, and community engagement. She holds a degree in Communications and Psychology from the University of Central Florida and spent three years teaching Kindergarten and 1st Grade for Hillsborough County Public Schools — an experience that deepened her understanding of students’ diverse needs and inspired her to pursue broader impact beyond the classroom. Makayla is passionate about empowering youth to regulate their emotions through the understanding that feelings are not permanent. In her role at Spark, she leads efforts to strengthen brand visibility, build meaningful partnerships, and represent the organization across the mental health and education sectors — ensuring the message of innate resilience resonates with as many people as possible.