Goree brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having previously connected DSP to local, state, and federal officials, as well as securing sponsorships from major brands such as the Dallas Mavericks, Hilton, VisitDallas, AT&T, and others. He has been recognized for his leadership in both the business and LGBTQ+ communities, including being named a 2022 Dallas Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree and Public Relations Society 40 under 40.
In honor of Myers-Hill's legacy, DSP also announced that the Juneteenth Unity Weekend Celebration will take place from June 15-20, 2023, with the Crowne Plaza serving as the official host hotel offering special rates for attendees. The celebration, which has been a staple in the city of Dallas during Pride Month since 2008, is the official annual celebration for Black communities to come together and celebrate their contributions to both American and Black culture, liberation, and community.
The Juneteenth Unity Weekend Celebration is a family-oriented event with programming for the entire community. In recent years, the celebration has generated millions of dollars for local businesses and has helped to reduce the HIV positivity rate below 10% for the first time in the event's history among more than 200 attendees tested. It has also helped to create other historic moments for the city of Dallas, including a recruitment drive by the Dallas Police Department that prioritized LGBTQ+ applicants, the lighting of the Dallas skyline in the Juneteenth and Black Pride colors, and the debut and flying of the Dallas Southern Pride Official Pride flag at the Sheraton Market Center.
Juneteenth Unity Weekend is a collaborative celebration made possible by the support of many companies and organizations that share the collective vision for this impactful event that advances the entire Black family and social justice movements and celebrates unity and peace. Sponsors for the 2023 celebration include Gilead Sciences, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, and Abounding Prosperity, Inc.
A portion of the proceeds from the Juneteenth Unity Weekend Celebration will be used to support the free health and wellness programs of its partner agencies, which offset the cost of essential services to Black and Brown communities, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ communities and their families in the DFW metroplex.
Ahmad Goree expressed his commitment to continuing the important work that Myers-Hill started, saying, "Dallas Southern Pride has an important role to play in making sure Dallas is creating spaces that are equitable while also generating an economic impact every year." He also encouraged businesses, organizations, and individuals to partner with the organization in supporting its initiatives and promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the community.
In conclusion, the announcement of Ahmad Goree as the new chief operations officer and director of engagement for Dallas Southern Pride and the upcoming Juneteenth Unity Weekend Celebration highlights the organization's commitment to promoting equality and justice for all in the Dallas metroplex. The celebration serves as a vital platform for Black communities to come together and celebrate their contributions to American and Black culture while also supporting local businesses and providing essential services to those in need. The support of sponsors such as Gilead Sciences, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, and Abounding Prosperity, Inc. is crucial in helping to make this impactful event a reality.
