As Juneteenth approaches, BET took to the streets of Chicago to ask Black Americans a pressing question: Do you still believe in the American Dream? The answers were revealing—some defiant, some hopeful, all rooted in the unshakable truth that freedom was never simply given to us. It was fought for, claimed, and redefined on our own terms.

This Juneteenth, we examine what the "American Dream" really means for Black America, and why our vision of freedom looks different.

"The American Dream Was Never Meant for Us"

For many Black Americans, the traditional "American Dream"—homeownership, upward mobility, and equal opportunity has always been an illusion.

"There is no dream for Black people,” one person said when BET asked them whether they ever believed in the American Dream. “This country wasn’t built for us—it was built by us, for others."

The numbers tell the same story. The current racial wealth gap shows that Black families hold just 24 cents for every dollar of white wealth. Only 44% of Black families own homes, compared to 73% of white families. And the student debt crisis disproportionately affects Black graduates, who on average owe $25,000 more than their white peers.

Why It Matters:

The system was designed to exclude us. Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reminder that our freedom was delayed, and our dreams have always had to be self-made.

"We Built Our Own Dream"

The consensus from the interviewees we spoke to is that, if the traditional "Dream" fails us, we create our own.

"We had to make our own version,” one person said. “Their dream was never ours to begin with.” They added, “If they don’t have a seat for us at the table, we bring our own chair—or build a whole new table."

Today, that spirit lives on in:

Black Businesses: Entrepreneurship among Black Americans surged 38% after 2020, yet Black founders still receive less than 1% of venture funding.

HBCUs: These institutions produce 50% of Black doctors and 80% of Black judges, yet remain chronically underfunded.

Land & Legacy: From Black farmer coalitions to community land trusts, we’re reclaiming what was stolen.

Why It Matters:

Our ancestors dreamed beyond mere survival—they dreamed of ownership, power, and a lasting legacy. Juneteenth is a call to continue that work.

"We Celebrate Juneteenth—Not the Fourth"

For many, July 4th is a reminder of hollow promises. Juneteenth, however, is ours. 

When asked whether or not they would be celebrating the upcoming holidays, one interviewee put it bluntly: "Independence Day? No. Juneteenth? Absolutely. It’s about remembering who we were before they told us who we had to be."