To honor the fearless contributions of Black Americans, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when federal orders were read that all enslaved people were free in the United States. Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to make this important announcement and put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and half years earlier on January 1, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln.
The holiday received its name by combining June and 19. People also reference the day as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
The original celebration became an annual one, and it grew into popularity over the years as people came together by preparing ethnic foods. Celebrations heightened in 1872 when a group of African American ministers and businesspeople in Houston purchased 10 acres of land and created Emancipation Park. The space was used to hold the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Today, several cites hold much larger cultural celebrations that include parades, festivals, dancing and food.
Black Employee Network Hosts Juneteenth Panel Discussion, June 16
The Black Employee Network will host a Juneteenth Panel Discussion on June 16 at 11:00 A.M. PST (AZ) for its members. We encourage you to join the group and sign up for this event. The business resource group is all-inclusive and welcome to all employees.
How to join the Black Employee Network:
- Visit Workday, select Key External Links, then select Diverst
- Fill out the brief form and create your account
- From the Diverst landing page, select BRGs in the top menu
- Select Black Employee Network, scroll down, and click Join this BRG on the right