Juneteenth: Recapturing our History with Reverend Dr. Douglas B. Sands, Sr

Juneteenth is an important day, allowing us to recapture our history around minority businesses. Juneteenth commemorates the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their emancipation and the end of slavery in the Confederate states. In this Hotchat podcast series, we celebrate this special day by lining up vanguards, folks, and remarkable icons to discuss activism, contributions, and their public service as it relates to minority businesses. To start us off, Reverend Sands, Sr., joins us. 

Reverend Sands, Sr. is a person who has enhanced the minority business community’s growth through outstanding leadership and vision. He helped play a significant role in creating the State of Maryland’s minority business enterprise program.

Here’s What You’ll Get In This Episode

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest, Reverend Dr. Douglas B. Sands, Sr

[06:55] The infrastructure project 50 years ago and how Dr. Douglas got involved

[12:13] Difficulties for pioneering inclusion and equity in the ‘60s for minority businesses

[18:13] Forming the black contractors’ network in Maryland

[19:45] Dr. Douglas’ early contributions to minority businesses in Baltimore

[27:29] Congressman Mitchell’s work at the moment & how Dr. Douglas integrated in

[31:27] Office of the minority affairs under Hughes

[39:29] The importance of creating the Contractors Association and the sacrifices

[45:42] Ending the show and call to action 

Notable Quotes

• To look back in history, we need to figure out or understand or hear what has happened in the past.
• One of the major parts of the apparatus of progress is to find people who are really interested in making that progress.
• We should take advantage of the opportunities we get immediately.

Connect with Reverend Dr. Douglas B. Sands, Sr

Website: http://www.umdata.org/PastorProfile.aspx?PeopleID=15097https://elocengroup.com/