Foundrae Launches Juneteenth Medallion Charity Raffle Supporting BIPOC Organizations

Foundrae, a fine jewelry brand known for its symbolic medallions, has launched a charitable initiative in honor of Juneteenth. The company is selling a limited-edition “Juneteenth Medallion” priced at $25, with proceeds from sales and a raffle benefiting organizations that support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The medallion, which features Roman numerals for June 19, 1865, is inscribed with the phrase “Social & Racial Justice” on its reverse side. The brand also offers a raffle for a chance to win the medallion along with a chain, valued at $8,710.

President Joe Biden recently signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, marking it as the 12th legal public holiday in the United States. This follows the precedent set by Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which was established in 1983. Foundrae’s initiative aligns with the broader recognition of Juneteenth’s significance, aiming to raise awareness of its historical importance beyond its traditional association with Southern states.

Foundrae designer Beth Bugdaycay, who grew up in South Texas, noted that Juneteenth was a familiar holiday in her hometown but less known in New York City. She observed that many people viewed the history of slavery as a Southern issue, despite its national impact. This realization inspired her to create the medallion as a way to educate and engage a wider audience about the holiday’s relevance.

Bugdaycay’s understanding of slavery’s history in New York City deepened through her involvement with the Brooklyn Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). She served on a research committee working on a book titled “Brooklyn, Quakers and Slavery.” Her participation revealed that Brooklyn had the second-largest enslaved Black population in the United States, behind Charleston, South Carolina, due to the reliance on enslaved labor for tobacco cultivation in Kings County.

The medallion’s design and purpose reflect a commitment to social justice and historical awareness. Bugdaycay emphasized that the initiative is not merely symbolic but intended to have a tangible impact. By directing proceeds to organizations supporting BIPOC communities, Foundrae seeks to honor Juneteenth’s legacy through action and advocacy.

The Quakers, known for their long history of social activism, have historically advocated for abolition and racial justice. Their involvement in researching and documenting the role of slavery in New York City underscores their ongoing commitment to addressing systemic inequities. Bugdaycay’s work with the Brooklyn Meeting highlights the intersection of faith and social responsibility, aligning with the Quakers’ tradition of public witness.

The Juneteenth Medallion serves as a reminder of the enduring call to justice and reconciliation. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Foundrae’s initiative embodies this call by using art and commerce to support communities in need and promote awareness of shared history.

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