On June 19, many countries celebrate Juneteenth. Since Juneteenth became a recognized United States federal holiday in 2021, it’s possible that many organizations have only recently begun to recognize it in the workplace. A Harvard Business Review survey reveals just 41% of American workers knew about Juneteenth prior to 2020. Let’s examine the significance of Juneteenth and discuss intentional and meaningful ways to mark the day at work.
Importance of Juneteenth
When incorporating Juneteenth into diversity, equity, and inclusion activities, it’s critical to understand the holiday’s history. If you didn’t already know, Juneteenth combines the words June and nineteen. The holiday is important because it commemorates the official end of all slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people were freed in Galveston, Texas. For two years, Blacks in the Southwest didn’t know they were free after the Emancipation Proclamation. Now, Juneteenth functions as a large-scale celebration of Black history and culture. While some companies may get the day off on Juneteenth, if you do have to work, there are still ways to celebrate the holiday.
Did You Know Campaign?
Who doesn’t love to learn something new? Hosting a “Did You Know” social media or email campaign at work is a good way for colleagues to learn more about Juneteenth. Here are some facts to get you started:
- Juneteenth has been celebrated under many names. Jubilee Day, Second Independence Day, and Emancipation Day are just a few.
- The Juneteenth flag was created by Ben Haith in 1997 and was revised in 2000 by Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf. The flag is red, white, and blue, with a bursting star in the middle.
- In 2021, a 5,000-square-foot mural, titled “Absolute Equality” was unveiled in Galveston, Texas, to commemorate the pivotal moment in history.
Lunch and Learn
An important part of any Juneteenth celebration is food. Southern cuisine is deeply rooted in Black culture and is the perfect occasion to have barbeque and southern foods catered in to celebrate Juneteenth. You could even host a potluck and have employees create the Juneteenth menu. Another theme found in Juneteenth cuisine is the color red. From red beans and rice to red velvet cake and strawberry soda, read more about why red foods are symbolic for Juneteenth. Lunch could be a good time for employees to have an open discussion about Juneteenth and to allow co-workers to share their experiences and memories about the holiday.
Participate in Juneteenth in Your Local Community
Do you know of any Juneteenth celebrations in your area? Make sure such resources are available to employees so they are aware of any volunteer or educational opportunities. You can take it a step further and get outside of the office by organizing a company or team outing to a Juneteenth celebration. Book a visit to a museum or see if there are any movie screenings in the area that highlight Black culture.
Although the history of Juneteenth surrounds a dark period in history, it’s important to recognize the history of the event. If you haven’t already planned any Juneteenth events or are looking to do something next year, talk with employees and collaborate on an informative and fun Juneteenth.
Last Updated on October 10, 2023
