As communities across the nation celebrate Juneteenth, the Reggie Stephens Foundation is proud to see our founder, Reggie Stephens, featured in a recent Santa Cruz Local article highlighting the history, significance, and continued impact of Juneteenth in Santa Cruz.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, it serves as a celebration of freedom, resilience, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity.
In the article, Reggie reflects on his journey from Shreveport, Louisiana, to Santa Cruz in 1990 and the importance of finding community, connection, and belonging. He shares how places like the London Nelson Community Center helped shape his experience and provided opportunities to build relationships and give back.
For many in Santa Cruz County, Reggie has become a familiar face—not only as a former professional athlete, coach, mentor, and community leader, but as someone dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation. Through the Reggie Stephens Foundation, that commitment continues every day through youth sports, leadership development, education, wellness initiatives, and scholarship programs.
“Juneteenth is more than a historical observance,” said Stephens. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate our shared humanity, honor those who came before us, and invest in a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.”
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we encourage our community to learn, reflect, and engage with the stories that help shape our collective history. We are grateful to Santa Cruz Local for highlighting the voices, experiences, and contributions of Black community members throughout Santa Cruz County.
Read the Full Story
Learn more by reading Santa Cruz Local’s feature on Juneteenth and the Black community in Santa Cruz.
