Organized Celebrations of Juneteenth Can Go a Long Way in Asserting Once Again that the Rights of the Blacks Matter!
The celebration of any event equates it with recognition. As a society that constantly denies the rights of Blacks, Juneteenth symbolizes the first step towards thwarting such attempts.
For several businesses, June nineteenth seems to be a typical working day. Still, if you check the calendar, you will see a holiday called ‘Juneteenth’ marked on it or, more precisely, June nineteenth. So now, you might be thinking about what is Juneteenth and why is it so significant?
In recent years, especially following nationwide protests over police brutality and the deaths of several people from the community and other Black Americans raising their voices, there is a renewed interest in the day that celebrates freedom of the black community.
This day commemorates when the end of slavery in the United States. Though this day deserves celebrations like the other days in the country, this date is not well known among white Americans. If you work in an organization that has not recognized this date, now is the right time to begin. There are various ways to commemorate this particular day and celebrate, like the other national holidays in the United States and celebrate the lives of the Blacks in the country.
What is Juneteenth?
It is the day that is celebrated for honouring the day when the Union Troops led by Major General Gordon Granger visited Galveston, Texas, to end slavery. This incident took place two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863. It was declared as the day marking an immediate end to slavery. It is considered the longest and largest running African American holiday proclaimed in America. Currently, this day is declared as Black liberation day. It promotes awareness and respect for all the cultures prevailing in the United States.
Today, while some celebrations humbly take place among families in backyards, some cities, like Atlanta and Washington, hold more significant events, like parades and festivals with residents, local businesses, and more.
How to Celebrate Juneteenth?
Though Juneteenth is not a federal holiday, around 47 states, including Washington DC, have recognized this day. Celebrating this day in a business organization will help the employees to understand and acknowledge that Black lives really matter and their freedom is as essential as that of any non-Black community. Any business organization houses employees from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. It will help to make them aware that the old mindset of undermining the rights of the Blacks needs to be eliminated to build a more inclusive and welcoming society. It will also be a step forward to bring justice and equality to the minds of society at large.
How to Celebrate This Day at The Workplace?
Celebrate This Day Company-Wide
Business organizations specifically tend to celebrate days and events that only have a commercial significance, which might influence their revenues. However, there needs to be a paradigm shift from this mindset in the present times by putting ‘people’ at the core of all activities. For example, in the limelight of the “Black Lives Matter Movement” around the country, everyone working there should be encouraged to understand the significance of the unification of the Blacks in the country. It will help the employees be more aware of the importance of embracing social justice and keeping its progress towards national change. Therefore, on this day, all the employees, encompassing employees from diverse racial backgrounds, should plan workshops, decorate the workplace, and discuss the company-diversity action plans.
Inviting The Guest Speakers
Bringing in an author, historian, civil rights activist, or personalities who have actively voiced against injustices can help. These speakers can inform the employees on the significant issues related to racial equality and justice and how constructive approaches can lead this movement for the lives of the Blacks forward. You can choose an open panel discussion or opt for a presentation, making sure it engages all those participating in the event.
Volunteer A Local Juneteenth Event Nearby
There are various communities around that host Juneteenth parties, festivals, and concerts. Currently, these events are also organized on online portals. Your organization can participate in such local festivals and sponsor online events in the form of donations. Apart from these, as the organization’s owner, you can give the paid time off on June nineteenth and allow them to spend time organizing and volunteering in the neighbourhood.
Apart from all these, you can also choose to be active on social media through social media posts, videos, and podcasts.
Juneteenth provides the communities with the opportunity to connect and raise awareness. This event should be considered a significant one if the voices of the black community need to be heard, particularly at a stage when they have been meted out with injustice and inequality for decades. Organizations working towards this goal can help them become united as a strong front, organize events, and ensure justice and equality for all Blacks in the United States. Though these are just baby steps towards a much sought-after dream, every effort is significant, and every step makes a difference to assert to the world that the life of every Black man, woman, and child in society MATTERS!
Chris Dawkins
Chief Operating Officer at E-Log Plus
The Ohio University
San Antonio, Texas
