Policy, Juneteenth And The Fourth Of July
Juneteenth commemorates the end of enslavement in the U.S. Celebrating it encourages inclusivity and the ongoing fight for racial equity in IT channels.
It was not until I relocated to Texas, where the holiday originated, that I knew what Juneteenth was and how connected it is to the loosely held freedom I have today as a Black American person. So, while some of us are enjoying an extra mid-week reprieve from office duties, I did not want the day to pass without acknowledging why June 19 is an important day in U.S. history.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of racially sanctioned enslavement in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19 each year and holds significant historical and cultural importance. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and forcibly emancipated the still enslaved people of Galveston, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Now, Juneteenth is celebrated to acknowledge that freedom for Black Americans was legislated and fought for - and that the fight for equity and justice continues to be an enduring struggle.
Celebrating Juneteenth is vital for organizations looking to build inclusive leadership practices for several reasons. Firstly, it recognizes how enslavement was central to American society throughout much of our history. Juneteenth provides a time whereby we can engage in education about the legacy of systemic enslavement while fostering a greater understanding of the racism that has persisted in the United States and the ongoing work needed to dismantle it.
Moreover, Juneteenth serves as a unifying force, bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to commemorate the shared value of freedom and equality. It encourages dialogue, reflection, and a commitment to addressing current racial injustices. By recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday in 2021, the United States took a significant step towards acknowledging this historical event and its continued relevance in pursuing a more inclusive society.
Still On The Fence?
For those who are on the fence or not understanding the significance of celebrating the day whereby legalized freedom was established for the formerly enslaved, let me ask you this: do you hold the same scrutiny when enjoying other national holidays? For example, on next month’s Fourth of July or end of summer’s Labor Day? These holidays are an important marker for the United States, however many of our ancestors were not legally able to experience anything close to the celebratory spirit with which they are intended. To put it more plainly, Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, anyone who did not own property, etc. were not able to engage in the celebratory spaces the Fourth of July and other holidays are meant to enshrine.
To quote the great Fredrick Douglas:
“What is your Fourth of July? A day that reveals...more than other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which [we are] the constant victim...”
Celebrating Juneteenth honors the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. It serves as a reminder of the nation's history, a call for social progress, and a celebration of the resilience and perseverance of formerly enslaved people.
For those in the US celebrating Wednesday, enjoy your day of reflection and education. I encourage us all to create policies that establish inclusion, equity, and justice driven change in our IT channel organizations. Even when they start with a simple day off for celebration.
Happy Juneteenth!
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Photo by Tasha Jolleyon Unsplash