WHY JUNETEENTH SHOULD BE CELEBRATED AT WORK
I believe due to the events that have taken place in the last year, more important conversations about diversity and inclusion have been taking place in many companies. The Black experience is starting to get noticed and with that, Black history is receiving more mainstream recognition throughout organizations as well.
The news that Congress voted this week to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a very welcome step forward in acknowledging this important historical event.*
These changes can bring many opportunities to your company if you approach them in an authentic way. The recognition of Juneteenth should not be an internal email from a general account. This should be an intentional opportunity to communicate allyship with your Black employees and acknowledge the continuous impact of America’s History on the Black experience.
Here are two ways you can authentically show your commitment to the support of Black employees.
If you are going to bring up Juneteenth’s history, be well informed.
Juneteenth is commonly known and often celebrated in the African American and Black communities throughout the United States. On June 19th 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. U.S. Army Major General Gordon Grange announced that the Civil War and slavery had ended.
Although what happened on June 19th, 1865 is true, it is vital to understand that federal soldiers were sent to Galveston to enforce the 13th amendment. because local leaders refused to recognize enfranchisement as lawful. This aggressive federal push caused a chain effect of emancipation of slavery throughout Texas. Prior to this day, the majority of states had abolished slavery while other states such as Kentucky and Delaware had yet to adopt the 13th amendment. Despite the way Juneteenth is presented, abolishing slavery across the US was a struggle that required forceful government intervention. As a result of this, each city and state’s timeline vary for when slaves were truly set free even though Juneteenth is nationally recognized as the official day of freedom from slavery.
Additionally, Juneteeth may seem to be the longest-running African American holiday but it is not. Watch Night is the oldest African American Holiday. This holiday takes place on New Year’s Eve because on December 31st, 1862, slaves gathered together with hope and fear awaiting the confirmation that they were considered legally free on January 1st, 1863 by executive order. Subsequently, Watch Night and the traditions that came from this are still celebrated today. If you eat black eyed peas and rice for luck on New Year’s Day, you can credit the origin of this tradition to Watch Night.
Understanding this key information can help all employees attain a more robust understanding of Black history and Juneteenth while acknowledging a more accurate account of America’s historic struggle to eradicate slavery.
Be proactive: action speaks volumes.
Simple yet effective gestures can go a long way. Having time off to celebrate Juneteenth can look an easy way out but this act displays so much more. Most companies take 4th of July as a holiday to celebrate the United States’ freedom from the British when in reality, the only people who became free were Caucasian Americans. In 1776, African Americans were still enslaved, being sold, shackled, and lynched. Acknowledging Juneteenth can firmly show that your company is invested in honoring the beginning of liberation for African Americans and true freedom for all.
These resources provide more information about the history of Juneteenth, Watch Night, and celebrations this year.
The Historical Legacy of Watch Night
History.com: What is Juneteenth
New York Times: Juneteenth celebration history
USA Today: How to celebrate Juneteenth 2021
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Washington Post: Congress votes to make Juneteenth a federal holiday
*Following a failed attempt in 2020, the Senate passed a bill in 2021 that would establish a federal holiday for Juneteenth. The Senate voted unanimously for the measure on June 15th 2021 and while the bill passed the House the following day, 14 House Republicans voted against it.
Danielle Winters,
Head of Operations, 72Point Inc.
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