Embrace inclusivity and honor history by finding impactful ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the workplace.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and officially announced the end of slavery in the state. This delay in the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation highlights the systemic challenges faced by enslaved African Americans even after the legal abolishment of slavery.
As we honor this significant day, workplaces have a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the ongoing journey toward equality. In this article, we will share six meaningful ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the workplace.
Create an Enviable Workplace Culture: In the workplace, Juneteenth holds particular significance because it supports cultivating a culture based on belonging and inclusion.
By acknowledging and celebrating Juneteenth, workplaces can:
- Promote awareness and education: Hosting workshops or seminars about Juneteenth helps raise awareness among employees about its historical significance and its relevance to contemporary issues of racial justice. This fosters a more informed and empathetic workplace culture.
- Foster inclusivity: Recognizing Juneteenth demonstrates a commitment to honoring the experiences and contributions of African Americans in the workplace. It sends a powerful message of inclusivity, making employees from diverse backgrounds feel valued and respected.
- Encourage understanding: Juneteenth celebrations can serve as a catalyst for open and honest dialogue about race, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. Providing a platform for employees to share their perspectives and experiences fosters mutual understanding and empathy.
- Strengthen corporate social responsibility: Engaging in community service projects or supporting organizations working toward racial equality aligns with many companies’ corporate social responsibility initiatives. Participating in such activities demonstrates a commitment to social justice that extends beyond the workplace.
Honor Juneteenth by Fostering Unity and Awareness at Work. Embrace this important holiday in your workplace with these six thoughtful celebration ideas:
1. Participate in Community Service
Engage in community service projects that support organizations working towards racial equality and social justice. This might include volunteering at local community centers, organizing donation drives, or participating in advocacy campaigns.
2. Host Cultural Celebrations
Highlight African American heritage, music, art, and literature through various outlets and celebrations. Consider organizing performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, or sharing reading lists that celebrate the contributions of African Americans to society. Books to consider include:
- On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
- Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery by Barbara Krauthamer and Deborah Willis
- Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain,
- Shoutin’ in the Fire by Danté Stewart,
- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson,
- I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
Movies and shows to watch might include:
- Miss Juneteenth
- 12 Years a Slave
- Atlanta
- Watchmen
- 13th
- Malcolm X
- I Am Not Your Negro
3. Offer Educational Sessions
Organize workshops or lunch-and-learns to educate employees about the historical significance of Juneteenth and other culturally noteworthy landmarks. Explore their origins, importance in African American culture, and relevance to contemporary issues of racial justice.
4. Engage in Company Policy Review and Reform
Review workplace policies and practices to ensure they foster an environment of fairness, equality, and belonging for all employees. Take proactive steps to address any disparities or inequities that may exist within the organization. By engaging in a process of policy review and reform, it demonstrates a commitment to creating a workplace that values and respects everyone’s contributions, regardless of race or background.
5. Participate in Local Events
Publish a calendar of local Juneteenth celebrations or offer tickets to local events or museums focused on Black culture and history. You might also organize a company presence in Juneteenth parades or celebrations or make a company donation to local charities focused on equity and social justice.
6. Offer a Day Off
If your organization is able to celebrate Juneteenth with a paid day off, as the federal government does, that’s ideal. But if it’s not feasible, explore other options for commemorating the day. For example, offering a floating holiday that employees could use to acknowledge Juneteenth might be a good alternative.
By incorporating these meaningful initiatives into workplace recognition events, organizations can honor the legacy of Juneteenth, promote understanding among employees, and contribute to the pursuit of racial equality. Seize this opportunity to create workplaces where every individual feels valued and empowered.
As you consider ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the workplace, take time to examine your organizational culture and ensure it reflects equality, justice, and respect for all. If you’re ready to create a happier, more inclusive workplace, The HR Team is here with the expertise and depth of resources you need. Please contact us to learn more.
About The HR Team: Founded in 1996, The HR Team is a Maryland-based human resources outsourcing firm committed to developing strategic, customized solutions that respond to the unique needs and cultures of organizations of all types and sizes. Available as a one-source alternative to an in-house HR department or on an à la carte project basis, the company’s flexible service models address the full spectrum of HR needs that many organizations struggle to address. The HR Team helps clients achieve their highest level of success by providing value-driven human resources services that leave them time to focus on what they do best: directing business growth and profitability. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the firm serves all of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. To learn more about The HR Team, call 410.381.9700 or visit https://www.thehrteam.com/.
