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Juneteenth

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Image by Riki32 from Pixabay

To honor the history of Juneteenth and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans, the RCPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee encourages you to learn about some exceptional individuals and their accomplishments. Did You Know…

John Mercer Langston
John Mercer Langston became the first Black man to become an attorney in the United States when he passed the bar in Ohio in 1854. The following year, he became one of the first African Americans ever elected to public office in America when he was elected to the post of Town Clerk for Brownhelm, Ohio. John Mercer Langston was also the great-uncle of Langston Hughes, famed poet of the Harlem Renaissance.

Claudette Colvin
Claudette Colvin was arrested at the age of 15 for her refusal to give up her seat to a white woman, nine months before Rosa Parks’ more famous protest. Because of her age, the NAACP chose not to use her case to challenge segregation laws. Despite a number of personal challenges, Colvin became one of the four plaintiffs in the Browder v. Gayle case. The decision in the 1956 case ruled that Montgomery’s segregated bus system was unconstitutional.

Hiram Rhodes Revels
Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first ever African American elected to the US Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi from February 1870 – March 1871.

Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson became the first African American billionaire when he sold the cable station he founded, Black Entertainment Television (BET), in 2001.

Lewis Latimer
While Thomas Edison is credited with the invention of the lightbulb, it was Lewis Latimer, the son of formerly enslaved people, who guaranteed its success. Latimer patented a new filament that extended the lifespan of lightbulbs to extend beyond a few days. In 1882, Latimer was granted a patent for his invention, a feat countless Black innovators in the generations before were unable to achieve.

William Wells Brown
William Wells Brown, author of novel Clotel; or The President’s Daughter that was published in 1853, became the first published African American novelist.

Ketanji Brown Jackson
Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the Unites States Supreme Court after nomination by the president and confirmation by the Senate in 2022.

Gladys West
Gladys West was the second Black woman ever to be employed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame — one of the highest honors awarded by the Air Force. She leveraged her mathematical and programming expertise to invent an accurate model of the Earth, which was used as the foundation for the creation of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

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Photo by Glodi Miessi on Unsplash

Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19, 2024, just four weeks away, meaning it’s time to start planning for your organization’s celebration! Recognizing and acknowledging the day and its significance goes a long way to creating a culture of belonging within your organization. There are many ways to celebrate, and we have listed below some suggestions and ideas for your agency.

First, understand the background and history. What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on the nineteenth day of June to commemorate the emancipation of African-Americans who were enslaved in the United States. It memorializes the end of slavery and has been observed annually since 1865. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475, making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday.

Juneteenth is often celebrated under several names, including National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.

In early 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states. More than two years later, on June 19, 1865, this news finally reached people living in Texas with the arrival of Union soldiers. When African Americans living in Texas learned that slavery had been abolished, they immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance — the foundation of Juneteenth.

The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. Original observances included prayer meetings and the singing of spirituals. Celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and several other states followed suit. Within a few years, African Americans in many other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition.

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, all should pause to 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 as well as personal experiences and 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 play list.
  • Share Media and Reading Materials: Connect and share 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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What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on the nineteenth day of June to commemorate the emancipation of African Americans who were enslaved in the United States. It memorializes the end of slavery and has been observed annually since 1865. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475, making Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday.

Juneteenth is often celebrated under several names, including National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.

Background and History

In early 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states. More than two years later, on June 19, 1865, this news finally reached people living in Texas with the arrival of Union soldiers. When African Americans living in Texas learned that slavery had been abolished, they immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance — the foundation of Juneteenth.

The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. Original observances included prayer meetings and the singing of spirituals. Celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and several other states followed suit. Within a few years, African Americans in many other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition.

Ways to Celebrate

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.

Is Celebrating Juneteenth Only for African Americans?

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 African Americans to celebrate liberty, resilience, and strength. While participating and commemorating, all should pause to 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.

You can visit here for some ideas for planning a Juneteenth celebration.

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Next Monday is Juneteenth, a federally recognized holiday commemorating the emancipation of people who were enslaved in the United States. If you haven’t yet planned a way to celebrate, there’s still time!

The best Juneteenth celebration ideas for the office are activities that allow participants to learn about the history behind the holiday. For example, hosting a lunch-and-learn session, inviting a guest speaker, and watching documentaries are great ways to educate employees on the importance of Juneteenth. Planning special Juneteenth ideas at work shows employees that you care about the meaning behind the holiday. In addition, celebrating in the office is a great way to boost employee engagement while strengthening diversity and inclusion at your company.

In her article 15 Great Juneteenth Ideas for Work, Tasia Duske outlines practical ideas to help you plan and implement Juneteenth activities for a meaningful celebration. Some ideas to consider:

  • Did you know” social media campaign
  • Office art display
  • Wall of quotes
  • Black-owned business gift box
  • Trivia game
  • Donation drive
  • Paid time off
  • Lunch-and-learn
  • Movie night
  • Lunch outing
  • Book club
  • Guest speaker engagement
  • Potluck barbeque
  • Reflection circle
  • Workplace décor

RCPA would love to hear from you! Let us know how your organization plans to celebrate Juneteenth and send us photos to share! You can send your items to Cindi Hobbes.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on the nineteenth day of June to commemorate the emancipation of African-Americans who were enslaved in the United States. It memorializes the end of slavery and has been observed annually since 1865. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475, making Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday.

Juneteenth may be celebrated under several names, including National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.

Background and History
In early 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states. More than two years later, on June 19, 1865, this news finally reached people living in Texas with the arrival of Union soldiers. When African-Americans living in Texas learned that slavery had been abolished, they immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance – the foundation of Juneteenth.

The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. Original observances included prayer meetings and the singing of spirituals. Celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and several other states followed suit. Within a few years, African Americans in many other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition.

Ways to Celebrate
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.

Is Celebrating Juneteenth Only for African-Americans?
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 African-Americans to celebrate liberty, resilience, and strength. While participating and commemorating, all should pause to 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.

Ideas for planning a Juneteenth celebration:

  • Offer a paid holiday for all to celebrate with their loved ones.
  • Encourage or organize a day of service or service event.
  • Provide a floating cultural holiday, which can be used on this day.
  • Host a barbecue or traditional block party.
  • Provide educational materials.
  • Host a discussion.
  • Decorate with traditional Juneteenth colors and African-American art.
  • Invite a guest speaker.
  • Donate to a charity.
  • Support black-owned venders for items purchased.

Learn More

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