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Diversity

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Photo by Glodi Miessi on Unsplash

If you haven’t yet already made plans, there is still time to organize a meaningful celebration of Juneteenth for your colleagues and staff. Recognizing and honoring the significance of Juneteenth helps foster a culture of belonging within your organization. There are many ways to celebrate — see below for suggestions and ideas.

First, Understand the Background and History: What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday observed on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of African Americans who were enslaved in the United States. It marks the end of slavery and has been celebrated annually since 1865. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475 into law, officially making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. Juneteenth is also known by several other names, including National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.

The historical roots of Juneteenth date back to the American Civil War. In early 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for more than three million enslaved individuals in the Confederate states. However, it was not until more than two years later — on June 19, 1865 — that this news reached the people of Texas, when Union soldiers arrived to enforce the proclamation. Upon learning of their freedom, African Americans in Texas began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, music, and dance, laying the foundation for what would become Juneteenth.

The first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas on June 19, 1866. Early observances included prayer gatherings, the singing of spirituals, and wearing new clothing to symbolize newfound freedom. In 1980, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday. Since then, many other states have followed, and the day has become an annual tradition celebrated across the country.

How is Juneteenth Celebrated?
Today, many Juneteenth celebrations include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing. In some places, demonstrations and parades commemorate the day. These celebrations often include ways to honor aspects of African American culture.

While Juneteenth has immense meaning for the African American community, there is value for every person, regardless of race, culture or background, to observe this holiday. A celebration of freedom for any group is a celebration of the ideals that we value as a nation. Juneteenth is a day for all Americans to celebrate liberty, resilience, and strength. While participating and commemorating, we acknowledge the historical and somber importance of the day.

Why Should We Celebrate Juneteenth in the Workplace?
Celebrating Juneteenth in the workplace sends a strong message to African American employees, clients, and community members that the black experience, black history, and the struggles endured are worth acknowledging.

What are Some Ideas for Planning a Juneteenth Celebration at Work?

  • Recognize it as a holiday: Give employees paid time off, such as half a day, the whole day, an extended lunch, or early dismissal.
  • Educate employees: Share facts about black history, the ongoing fight for civil rights, and the issues black people face. Consider a “Did you Know?” Campaign.
  • Invite guest speakers: In-person or virtual sessions with experts in racial justice, civil rights, or DEI can share insights and personal experiences that inspire action.
  • Share traditional Juneteenth foods: If hosting a meal, include traditional soul foods on your menu. Consider providing a voucher to a local black-owned restaurant for staff who cannot attend.
  • Include celebratory music: Consider live music or a Juneteenth playlist.
  • Share media and reading materials: Connect and share around Juneteenth media and reading materials. Read a story or watch a movie or video as a group.
  • Support black businesses: Include black-owned businesses in your celebration.
  • Encourage participation in community events: Engage with your community in a productive way.

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Photo by Toni Reed on Unsplash

What is Pride Month?
June 1 marked the beginning of (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals in our communities. Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York and celebrates the LGBTQ community and the fight for equal rights.

The Stonewall Uprising began on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a prominent gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The protests that followed are credited with a shift in LGBTQ+ activism in the US and is why Pride week is celebrated in June. In many cities across the nation, the celebration is now a month-long series of events.

Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

What does PRIDE Stand for?
“Pride” is not an acronym, but the LGBTQIA+ community comprises several identities related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Here are the definitions to know:

  • L: Lesbian
  • G: Gay
  • B: Bisexual
  • T: Transgender
  • Q: Queer, or sometimes Questioning
  • I:  Intersex
  • A: Asexual
  • +: Encompasses other identities under the rainbow umbrella

Why Recognize Pride Month at Work?
Celebrating Pride Month is valuable for organizations and teams.

  1. Promotes Inclusion and Belonging: Affirms the identities of LGBTQ+ employees and sends a clear message that they are seen, respected, and valued. It fosters a culture of belonging where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
  2. Reinforces Organizational Values: If your organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), celebrating Pride shows you are living those values. It’s a chance to demonstrate support beyond words.
  3. Raises Awareness and Education: Pride Month offers an opportunity to educate employees about LGBTQ+ history, rights, and challenges. This may encourage respectful and informed interactions among coworkers.
  4. Boosts Morale and Engagement: When employees feel that their identities and values are respected, it increases job satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty.
  5. Supports Talent Attraction and Retention: Today’s workforce, especially younger workers, tends to seek out employers who are socially responsible and inclusive. Supporting Pride Month can make your organization more attractive.
  6. Shows Allyship and Leadership: For straight (cisgender) colleagues, participating in Pride Month activities is a way to practice allyship. For leadership, it’s a chance to set the tone from the top, showing commitment to inclusivity as a core part of organizational culture.

View 28+ PRIDE Month Ideas for Work

View Pennsylvania PRIDE Events and Festivals

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The 2025 Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center Alessi, Levan, Kebles Forum Diversity Summit is June 11, 2025. The summit provides relevant diversity training that improves mental health service delivery and educational services. This free event is for providers and parents alike.

Workshop presenters will present 75-minute interactive workshops using the Teams webinar platform. Presenters will be supported with optional training in the platform prior to the webinar and will have the support of a Sarah Reed staff person acting as a proctor during the session.

Visit the 2024 Diversity Summit Recap to become familiar with the Summit.

Workshop Proposals are due by March 31, 2025, at 5:00 pm EST.

More information is available here.

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Image by ekavesh from Pixabay

February is just around the corner, so it’s time to start planning your organization’s Black History Month celebrations! Black History Month at work is a great opportunity to foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and recognize the contributions of Black individuals to history, culture, and society.

To create a thoughtful and engaging program that educates, inspires, and honors the achievements of the Black community, involve employees in the planning process to ensure that the event feels meaningful and authentic.

Here are some ideas you may wish to include as you celebrate Black History Month at work:

  • Sponsor Learning: Offer funded scholarships for team members interested in learning more about Black History. Have applicants submit an event, budget, and rationale for requested events (examples: attend a play, concert, poetry reading, or documentary).
  • Volunteer: Volunteer with Black-led charities or non-profit organizations as a team. Provide paid time off or complete during scheduled work hours if possible.
  • Support Black-owned businesses: Buy lunch from a Black-owned restaurant or purchase items for the office from a Black-owned business. Promote economic empowerment.
  • Donate to anti-racism charities: Choose an anti-racism charity to donate to as a team. Clearly communicate the choice and why.
  • Host a speaker series: Invite a speaker to discuss Black history and culture, or a social justice activist to discuss racial justice. Feature a speaker who can share stories/experiences that center around Black identity and/or how to promote diversity.
  • Host a Black author book club: Create a book club focused on Black authors and their works.
  • Host a film screening: Screen documentaries or movies to learn about Black History.
  • Black History Trivia: Host a Black History trivia event. Help your team learn more about Black history in a fun, exciting way.
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