What is Juneteenth and how to talk about it at work

Although Juneteenth is not a new holiday, its significance has increased over the last few years. This celebration of Black liberation, advancement, and equality is an occasion to recognize the accomplishments of Black American employees while advocating for a diverse and inclusive workplace and promoting racial justice.

By setting aside time to recognize the history, achievements, and challenges experienced by Black Americans and the significance of the holiday, companies can promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture that honors the contributions of all backgrounds and cultures. Discover the holiday’s history, learn some interesting facts, and understand the significance of observing Juneteenth 2023 in the workplace.

What is Juneteenth?

A portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteen,” Juneteenth honors the date of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas — the final Confederate state to have institutional slavery — to declare the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people. This happened two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, often known as “Freedom Day,” is the earliest national holiday in the United States to mark the abolition of slavery.

According to Juneteenth.com, “Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time taken to appreciate the African American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities – as nothing is more comforting than the hand of a friend.”

The history of Juneteenth

To find relatives and experience their newfound independence, many of the Black Americans who had been held in slavery left Texas and traveled to neighboring and Northern states. Traveling through America as free people brought new possibilities and challenges, yet commemorating Juneteenth acted as a motivating factor and a diversion from the growing difficulties that formerly enslaved people in America experienced on their new journey.

Juneteenth celebrations provided an opportunity for Black Americans to reunite and reflect on their enduring resilience, independence, and opportunities for advancement. In the decades following the first celebrations, there was little interest from those outside of the Black community in participating. There was occasionally overt opposition demonstrated by forbidding the use of public property for the celebrations, and there were instances of groups disturbing Juneteenth events with violence.

As their Black American populations rose, states eventually recognized the holiday. In 1980, Juneteenth became a recognized state holiday in Texas, and by 2008, Juneteenth was regarded as a holiday in more than half of the states. President Joe Biden formally declared it a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

“By recognizing Juneteenth, you show that you are dedicated to establishing a company culture and workplace that values every individual’s contributions, uniqueness, and value.”

The importance of commemorating Juneteenth in the workplace

Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the unimaginable hardships endured by formerly enslaved Black Americans and the countless struggles their descendants continue to encounter as they fight against racism and for equality both within and outside of the workplace.

Yet it’s also a celebration of unwavering persistence, independence, and progress. Juneteenth highlights the progress our country and society have made while also highlighting how much more work remains. Some recent statistics on the Black experience in the workplace show that there is still far to go:

According to a 2020 workforce survey, only 41% of American workers were aware of Juneteenth prior to 2020.
Black professionals in corporate America are nearly four times as likely as white professionals to say they have experienced racial prejudice at work.
Black workers comprise just 12% of the entry-level and 7% of the managerial private sector workforce.
Black women are paid just 58 cents for every dollar white men make.

Juneteenth is more than just a day for Black American employees to commemorate their heritage. Celebrating Juneteenth 2023 can be a catalyst for transformation and growth. It’s a chance to acknowledge the accomplishments of your Black American colleagues while also having an open conversation about what the organization has done on its own to promote racial equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion. By recognizing Juneteenth, you show that you are dedicated to establishing a company culture and workplace that values every individual’s contributions, uniqueness, and value.

8 facts about Juneteenth you can share at work

The first step in creating an inclusive and diverse workplace for Black Americans is educating others. Learning more about the holiday is a fantastic way to express your support for Juneteenth. Share these eight facts with your colleagues to get the conversation started.

The United States Constitution was officially amended on December 6, 1865, when the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, rendering all forms of slavery, past, present, and future, unlawful.
Other names for Juneteenth include Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Cel-Liberation Day, and Second Independence Day.
In honor of Juneteenth, the city of Galveston, Texas, unveiled a 5,000-square-foot mural called “Absolute Equality” in 2021.
Al Edwards, a former Texas state representative, is referred to as the “father of Juneteenth” because he spearheaded the legislation that established the celebration as a state holiday in 1980.
In addition to rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, and family reunions, Juneteenth celebrations usually feature traditional readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, songs, and works by African American writers.
Opal Lee, a Texas activist known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” dedicated her life to recognizing the holiday nationally. She even attended the signing of the legislation.
The earliest reported land purchase for the purpose of celebrating Juneteenth was Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas.
Juneteenth is the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

6 ways to commemorate Juneteenth at work

There are many ways to respectfully recognize Juneteenth and show support for your Black American colleagues, including these six activities:

Support or host a community Juneteenth event

A fantastic way to foster solidarity and raise awareness is to partner with local Black-owned businesses or nonprofits for a block party, street fair, or other community event.

Learn more about Juneteenth

Explore the more than a dozen books, podcasts, articles, and other works on Juneteenth and its history to keep the discussion going.

Organize a Juneteenth workshop

Invite a Black business owner, artist, activist, or athlete to speak about Juneteenth, their experiences, the changes that have occurred, and what needs to be done moving forward.

Host a Juneteenth company mixer

A company mixer or networking event allows engagement between employees who would not typically interact with each. These events provide an opportunity to build social and professional connections, which are invaluable for Black employees in the workplace.

Donate to an organization that supports Black Americans

Another option to commemorate Juneteenth is to donate to charitable organizations or historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). You can also organize a fundraiser at work in honor of Juneteenth.

Reevaluate your company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion activities

Discussing current diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at your business is an excellent idea during Juneteenth. Consider new avenues for boosting employee participation and enhancing the workforce knowledge while reassessing current initiatives.

These are just a few ways you can talk about Juneteenth at work. Still looking for work that’s the right fit for you? Make sure to create a profile so diverse employers can find you.