HED’s Post

Juneteenth is an opportunity for us all to reflect on racial justice. We at the U.S.-Japan Council stand in solidarity with those around us in recognizing both how much we have accomplished and how much room we still have for growth. Learn a little more about what Juneteenth is and why we recognize it below. https://lnkd.in/g_Hujyp

Understanding the Significance of Juneteenth As we observe Juneteenth, it’s important to reflect on its profound historical significance and the enduring impact it holds today. Juneteenth, a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” marks the date in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. A Brief History The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states were to be freed. However, enforcement of this executive order depended largely on the advancement of Union troops. In Texas, a remote state with few Union troops, the proclamation had minimal impact. It wasn’t until Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, and announced General Order No. 3, that the state’s 250,000 enslaved people learned of their freedom. The Path to Recognition Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, has been celebrated annually in various forms since 1866. The day has evolved from local festivities to a national conversation about freedom, equity, and justice. In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a state holiday. The movement for broader recognition continued, culminating in Juneteenth being declared a federal holiday in 2021. Reflection and Commitment Juneteenth is not just a commemoration of the past, but a call to action. It reminds us of the struggles endured and the progress made towards equality. It is a day for all Americans to reflect on the values of freedom and the ongoing fight against systemic racism. As we honor Juneteenth, let’s commit to fostering an inclusive and equitable society, recognizing that the journey towards true equality is ongoing. Together, we can build a future that embraces the lessons of history and works towards a just and unified community. #juneteenth #freedomforALL #HistoryLesson

🎉 As we approach Juneteenth, let's take a moment to reflect on its profound significance and what it means for our ongoing journey towards racial equity. Here are five crucial aspects of Juneteenth that underscore its importance: 1. **Historical Significance**: Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history - the day when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. This day is not just a date but a milestone in the fight against the brutal institution of slavery. 2. **Cultural Celebrations**: From heartwarming family gatherings to vibrant public events featuring music, dance, and storytelling, Juneteenth celebrations are a powerful expression of the enduring spirit and culture of the African American community. 3. **Education and Reflection**: Juneteenth serves as a vital time for learning about the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing efforts needed to combat racial injustice. It’s an opportunity to engage in dialogue and educate those around us about the significance of this day. 4. **Community and Resilience**: This holiday is a testament to the resilience and unyielding hope of countless individuals who fought for freedom. It’s a day to strengthen community ties and honor the legacy of those who paved the way for the freedoms we continue to fight for today. 5. **Action and Advocacy**: Juneteenth reminds us that the journey towards justice is ongoing. It’s a call to action to support racial equity initiatives and to recommit ourselves to the cause of justice and equality. Let's use this Juneteenth to celebrate, reflect, and mobilize. How do you plan to recognize this day in your community? Let’s discuss and share ideas on how we can continue to make a difference! 🌍 #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #RacialJustice #CommunityEngagement #CulturalHeritage #EqualityForAll https://lnkd.in/gVUrCJkW

🎉 Happy Juneteenth! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the emancipation of those who were enslaved in the United States. Juneteenth is a day for reflection, education, and action. As we commemorate this historic day, let's also recognize that the fight for equality and justice is far from over. It's a reminder that we must continue to advocate for change and work towards a more inclusive society for all. 🤝 Join me in taking action: - Educate Yourself: Learn about the history of Juneteenth and its significance. - Support Black-Owned Businesses: Amplify their voices and contribute to economic empowerment. - Advocate for Change: Call for policies that promote equality and justice for all. Let's use this day as a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can create a more equitable future for everyone. #Juneteenth #Equality #Justice

Today we commemorate #Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were free — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.   While slavery was abolished, we know that racism and inequalities persist to this day. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom, equality, and human rights.    At WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development, we believe businesses have an important role to play in reducing inequality and generating inclusive growth that can be enjoyed by all. Through our work with The Business Commission to Tackle Inequality, we are working to build a more just and equitable world through a shared focus on action, accountability, and ambition. Addressing inequality is both our responsibility and an opportunity for positive change.   On this Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to being allies and agents of positive change. We continue striving for a world of dignity, respect, and opportunity for all people, regardless of race.   Join us in reflecting on our progress and renewing our dedication to justice, anti-racism efforts, and achieving equity. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future where all can thrive.

What is Juneteenth? Also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Celebrated on June 19th each year, this day commemorates when Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, announcing the end of slavery—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The celebration of Juneteenth began in Galveston, Texas in the 1860s. Today, it is honored throughout the United States. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act,” officially designating it a national holiday. At Day Pitney, we honor Juneteenth by reaffirming our commitment to justice, equality, and the promotion of diversity within our community and the legal profession. #Juneteenth #EmancipationDay #FreedomDay #Equality #Justice #Diversity

🎯 Justice delayed is not necessarily justice denied. ✨ Celebrating Juneteenth: Lessons for the Corporate World As we reflect on Juneteenth, it's crucial to understand its profound lessons and apply them to our corporate lives. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This delay underscores a critical lesson: justice delayed is not necessarily justice denied. Progress, while often slow, is inevitable with persistent commitment. 🎇 Quick History of Juneteenth: 📍 1863: Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln. 📍 1865: Union soldiers arrive in Galveston, Texas, to enforce freedom for all enslaved people. 📍 1866: The first Juneteenth celebrations begin. Lessons Learned: 1️⃣ Commitment to Progress: Just as the fight for freedom continued long after the Emancipation Proclamation, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion must be unwavering. Change takes time, but with persistent effort, we can achieve it. 2️⃣ Communication is Crucial: The delay in communication about freedom in 1865 highlights the importance of timely and transparent communication within our organizations. Keeping everyone informed fosters trust and unity. 3️⃣ Celebrating Milestones: Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how delayed, is vital. It keeps us motivated and reminds us of the progress made and the work still ahead. 4️⃣ Learning from History: Understanding the past helps us shape a better future. Reflect on the lessons of Juneteenth to address systemic inequities and build a more inclusive corporate culture. 5️⃣ Inclusivity in Practice: Juneteenth teaches us the value of inclusivity and representation. Ensure diverse voices are heard and valued at every level of your organization. Let’s honor Juneteenth by committing to justice, equality, and continuous progress in our corporate environments. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone is truly free to thrive. #Juneteenth #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #CorporateCulture #Progress #History #Commitment

We are proud once again to celebrate Juneteenth – a federal holiday held each June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery. The holiday’s name combines the words "June" and "nineteenth" – the day in 1865 when 250,000 slaves in Texas were declared free, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln.  It remains a significant moment in American history. Nearly 160 years later, our nation is still confronting urgent issues of racial #injustice that exist across our society – from health care and education to the criminal justice system and #housing. In California, African Americans are five times more likely than white people to experience #homelessness. This is reflected in who we serve at Abode. In the communities where Abode works, people identifying as Black, African American or African represent 1 to 11 percent of the general population per the U.S. Census, but represent up to 48 percent of who we serve. Racism and #discriminatory #policies and practices continue to persist. A critical part of our work is to reflect on and address the challenges of racism and #exclusion that we see in our housing work. We encourage each of you to read Abode’s pledge of anti-racism on our website at abode.org. Our pledge acknowledges that #homelessness is inextricably linked to structural #racism, as people of color have historically been denied many of the housing and financial resources afforded to white people.  This #Juneteenth, we aim to explore the history and achievements of the African American #community in order to increase our collective understanding of our country’s past and current issues around housing #inequality – and how we continue our work to solve this problem. In that spirit, we observe Juneteenth to support and salute African American employees at Abode, who comprise 17 percent of our workforce along with the more than 4,000 African American participants or residents of our programs and housing sites. Please join us in proudly celebrating Juneteenth.