15 ways every company can celebrate Juneteenth
June 19th is not just a date; it’s an emotion.
In our workplaces, we associate with people from different cultures and countries. Let’s make a conscious effort to make space for all with a bigger table, not just on Juneteenth but every day.
Looking back with pride
Before we go further, let’s understand the “why” of Juneteenth; let’s take a deeper look into its legacy. Whilst the world was asleep at midnight of January 1, 1863, the enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes. It was Freedom’s Eve. Past a few minutes at midnight, they rejoiced when all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared as “legally free”. Sadly, even after the Emancipation Proclamation, not all were free. Those enslaved in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, i.e. more than 250,000 black people, came to know of the Proclamation. Two. Years. Later. On June 19, 1865, when about 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, more than 250,000 were finally “legally free”. Let that sink in. This day is observed as Juneteenth.
Looking ahead with hope and glory
Today, we all must consciously take a step forward, together. Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day or Juneteenth. It is a day of leaving the past behind, and walking to a new dawn, together.
Celebrating Juneteenth
So, here are some ways to amp up Freedom Day celebrations by sharing smiles and togetherness at the workplace.
Speaking of, follow COVID safety rules at home/workplace: social distancing, sanitisation, and masks.
9 ways by which a company can show its belief in equality and freedom:
1. Offer paid holiday – Some companies are observing Juneteenth as a day of celebration and education of Black history and culture.
2. A day of reflective and meaningful action - Partner with nonprofits and organize service events for team members. Show your support to black-owned businesses, organizations, and creators alike.
3. DEI initiatives – Share the initiatives you have undertaken or plan to pursue such as unconscious bias training, and equitable compensation. Have a conversation over traditional foods such as strawberry soda and red velvet cake around making opportunities within reach to the Black community or financial literacy, healthcare.
4. Speak meets - Invite a guest speaker to share his or her views on the occasion. Our FGB community boasts of impactful voices and you can contact them easily.
5. Socials share – Share your team members’ thoughts and initiatives on social media handles of the company. Make sure to not only follow popular hashtags but also carve out niche hashtags of your company.
6. Spotlight on diversity, visually - There is beauty and warmth in diversity. Embrace diverse photography from resources such as nappy.co, Ttonl and CreateHER Stock.
7. Give back to society – Your donations can make a meaningful difference, every single day. Learn more by clicking on the following links:
- National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
- https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
- https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com/
- https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/support-us
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
8. Share with your team – Even if you’re not the one organizing Juneteenth celebrations, you can show your support by sharing links to state-held events and museums. Just so that everybody has access to digital products. Here you go:
- Georgia, Pittsburgh and New York
- National Museum of African American History & Culture, Northwest African American Museum, National Civil Rights Museum and New York Public Library
9. Make a splash in-office or from-home – Colors convey a lot more to our heart. Let’s use red, green and black in any way we can to show our love for the African Diaspora. Creativity is all around us, we just need to be open to receive it. So, be as creative and as inspired as you want.
If you are organizing a virtual meet on Zoom, here is a fun list of 6 ways to roll out an online event where there’s something for everyone! Your team members will love to let their hair down and enjoy it with their families.
10. Let’s all talk out loud – Have a conversation about the history of Juneteenth with your team members and their children too. Involve the kids too and be prepared to be surprised by their knowledge of what and how it all started. For inspo, check out these activity sheets.
11. Support booklovers – For the book-lovers amongst your team, or company, you can share your love and support by reading, and supporting, black-owned bookstores as listed here.
12. Craft it – Where’s your creativity hat? Put it on and paint, sculpt or print the spirit of freedom with your teammates. Go clickety-click and click, upload and share the pictures on socials. Because, why not!!
13. Cook up or cook out – Send a mail out to your team to relive your childhood with all those yum dishes that your mom or grandma used to make. There’s always one signature dish, and this is the perrrrrfect time to flaunt your cooking skills. Tell them to send you before-after pictures of them cooking in the kitchen, setting the table, and scooping it up!
14. What’s in your shopping bag? – Can’t emphasize enough that you must support black-owned brands. So here’s a list of 50+ brands and 10 Etsy shops from where you can buy gifts for your crew as a reminder for making self-care a priority.
15. Let there be music – June is also African-American Music Appreciation Month. Ask your team to share their favorite playlist, or a song that takes you back to a place, time or person.
Most importantly
Last but not the least, let’s make Juneteenth a day that touches our heart and soul - and not as a platform to sell something. To be genuine, and choose to not put on a show, is the best way to celebrate, and relive, the spirit of Juneteenth.
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