Imani Lenz on Juneteenth, Intergenerational Connection, and Building Community in Tampa Bay

Some stories don’t need a script — they just need a moment where someone is willing to speak from the heart.

In this episode of Camera Rolling, Imani Lenz steps in front of the camera to share why the upcoming Juneteenth gathering on June 21 matters to him — not only as a cultural celebration, but as a space for Black community-building that feels intentional, elevated, and human.

It’s also personal: this is Imani’s first Juneteenth event, and he names that clearly from the start — the honor of being part of the production team, and the deeper meaning of showing up in a moment that represents liberation, ancestry, and presence. Export 1

A quick introduction, in his own lane

Imani introduces himself as a videographer, photographer, and music artist — someone who “sees stories everywhere,” and who’s spent more than a decade using a camera to craft narrative and capture people as they are. Export 1

He also shares the mission behind Black Stock Footage: building a platform and archive focused on authentic Black representation — because if Black stories aren’t preserved and made visible, they can be left behind. Export 1

Why Juneteenth hits different

Imani doesn’t describe Juneteenth as a theme or a calendar moment. He describes it as a lived feeling — a recognition of liberation, and a chance to honor ancestors whose sacrifices created space for the present.

Standing in all white, speaking confidently, he frames participation as a form of gratitude — not performative, but real: showing up as a young Black professional and acknowledging the lineage that made that possible. Export 1

The intersection of “creative” and “professional”

One of the clearest threads in the transcript is Imani naming himself as someone who lives between two worlds: creatives who don’t always identify as “professionals,” and professionals who don’t always consider themselves creative.

He claims the intersection — and with it, a responsibility: to make sure his generation is seen, heard, and valued in spaces that feel more intentional and elevated. Export 1

Not to abandon house parties or informal spaces — but to widen what’s available.

A networking event — but not only networking

Imani is honest about his experience filming countless networking events where he didn’t feel fully welcome — not because people were unkind, but because the culture wasn’t his. Export 1

He describes this Juneteenth gathering differently:

• not just exchanging contacts

• but experiencing multiple Black cultures under one umbrella

• in a setting that allows people to show up without having to perform “corporate” to belong Export 1

Breaking the walls down, on purpose

Across the transcript, Imani keeps returning to one idea: we need spaces that break down the walls.

Walls like:

• “who’s who”

• corporate hierarchy

• generational separation

• feeling like you have to be a certain kind of Black professional to enter the room

He describes Tampa Bay as a place full of Black people from everywhere — New York, Houston, Miami — yet still not experiencing each other in ways that build real community.

His hope is simple: a gathering where it’s okay to be proud, relaxed, professional, and present — all at once. Export 1

Presence over personal brand

One of the strongest moments is Imani encouraging people to set personal branding aside — just for a moment — and be present.

Not for clout. Not for performance.

For in-person visibility: being seen smiling, dancing, connecting, and letting real community form through shared space.

He frames presence as its own kind of bridge: even if you don’t meet everyone, the fact that you were in the room creates future possibility. Export 1

Mentorship, collaboration, and a different kind of “elevated”

Imani talks openly about wanting mentors and associations — people who can guide, introduce, and affirm younger generations.

He describes this gathering as a possible launching pad: a space where older generations and younger generations can see the humanity in each other, build respect, and create relationships that extend beyond one night. Export 1

He also names what he admires about Reginald’s leadership — the willingness to create something that Tampa needs — and the possibility that collaboration within Black community creates ripple effects that benefit everyone. Export 1

Final reflection

This episode isn’t a recap. It’s a statement of intention.

It’s Imani speaking plainly about what he hopes community can become when people show up in the same room — not competing, not posturing, not staying behind the wall — but connecting, learning across generations, and remembering why Juneteenth still matters.