The history of Juneteenth — and how to honor it this year

Juneteenth has emerged as a celebration that symbolizes liberation, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Its roots trace back to the delayed news of emancipation reaching Texas, making Juneteenth a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of Black Americans who have fought against formidable obstacles for freedom and justice.

It was on June 19, 1865, when the news of the end of the Civil War finally reached Galveston, the capital city of Texas. In a momentous event, General Order No. 3 was read aloud, proclaiming:

With this order, the enslaved Black people of Texas were freed, marking the official end of slavery in the United States. The tradition of Juneteenth, derived from the combination of June and nineteen, began on June 19 of the following year.

Despite the historical significance of Juneteenth, it wasn't until June 16, 2021, that President Joe Biden signed a bill into law, officially recognizing it as a federal holiday in the United States.

According to research from Deloitte, educational opportunities outside of the standard unconscious bias training are key to driving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts. Making sure employees understand the history of Juneteenth and the history of being Black in the United States is important for your DEIB efforts because it serves as a reminder of Black Americans’ ongoing pursuit of racial equity and justice.

Incorporating educational opportunities that go beyond unconscious bias training is crucial for fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. One powerful example is hosting interactive workshops that delve into the historical significance of Juneteenth and the lived experiences of Black Americans. Such workshops can deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and promote empathy within our organizations.

Organizations have moved a little faster than the federal government when it comes to recognizing the significance of Juneteenth. According to Mercer’s latest research, 39% of US companies will provide Juneteenth as a paid holiday this year.

In addition to giving employees paid time off to celebrate Juneteenth, employers can encourage their people to acknowledge the holiday in other ways.

• Coordinate with local and online Juneteenth events, such as festivals, poetry readings, or online celebrations, and actively encourage employees to participate. By supporting and engaging in these events, we showcase our solidarity with the Black community and our unwavering commitment to social justice.

• Utilize Juneteenth as a platform to combat racism and promote representation by taking meaningful actions. Encourage employees to volunteer for organizations dedicated to racial equality, mentor individuals from underrepresented communities, or facilitate workshops that foster Black history education.

• Foster unity among colleagues on Juneteenth by organizing a virtual panel discussion or inviting guest speakers to educate all employees about the profound history and significant cultural contributions of Black Americans.

• Provide guidance on addressing potential sensitive questions with tact, promoting respectful dialogue, and nurturing an inclusive environment through trainings like "A Seat At The Table."

• Coordinate with local and online Juneteenth events, such as festivals, poetry readings, or online celebrations, and actively encourage employees to participate. By supporting and engaging in these events, we showcase our solidarity with the Black community and our unwavering commitment to social justice.

Remember: When celebrating Juneteenth at your organization this year, there are also 364 other days a year where you can take action to better support your Black employees and the Black community.

At Cornerstone, we proudly embrace Juneteenth as an opportunity to celebrate and honor the accomplishments and resilience of the Black community. By engaging employees via our Black Employee Alliance (BEA), we actively promote cultural awareness, provide professional and personal development opportunities, and actively engage in community involvement to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace every day of the year.