Juneteenth, which is celebrated annually, is an important holiday in the African American community. The day has become the most prominent Emancipation Day holiday in the United States, and commemorates the moment when emancipation finally reached those in the deepest parts of the former Confederacy on June 19, 1865. It is a holiday meant for celebration, rather than mourning and remembrance.
Last year, for the first time, many companies publicly recognized Juneteenth. It was recognized as an opportunity to reflect on our country’s past and, more importantly, to consider how each one of us can continue to show up and band together to work toward a better future. Many companies used the holiday as a moment of self-reflection and posted on social media in support of Juneteenth. In 2021, we are asking that we all go a step further and consider how we can connect more deeply with each other and move forward to create permanent and lasting change.
Juneteenth is not just a Black holiday; it is an American holiday. The day signals America finally realizing our founding principles of “liberty and justice for all”. Slavery is a dark stain on U.S. history, but Juneteenth is an example that America can move past the transgressions of history in pursuit of a freer society. These are difficult times, and we must find ways to embrace our differences, address underlying issues, and move forward as a country. Will you join us as a partner in helping commemorate and celebrate Black history and culture?
While Juneteenth is an important milestone in American history, it is still an under recognized day in American history. We aim to change that. In 2020, the death of George Floyd coupled with a global pandemic gave way to the largest Juneteenth observation across America. Furthermore, many companies are joining forces with organizations like ours in the efforts to make Juneteenth a national federal holiday and a day for Healing and Advocacy for Black Americans.
