Recognising Juneteenth in the workplace

This Thursday 19th June marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The day commemorates the end of slavery in the US and celebrates African-American culture.

This important date reminds us of the challenges faced by African Americans and the difficult history of slavery. We can all honour Juneteenth by respecting the cultural traditions of African Americans, celebrating black voices and promoting mental health equity.

Why do NFP recognise the Juneteenth holiday in Europe?

Here at NFP in the UK and Ireland, we have recognised the date as an annual company holiday since 2020 along with our offices in the US and all 7,700 global employees, despite Juneteenth only becoming a federal US holiday in 2021.

Every year, we use this as a time to reflect on the steps still needed to achieve equity, so we can continue on the path of acknowledging and healing from the past.

We’re proud to join with other organisations across industries and of all shapes and sizes, to take this small but significant step to reflect, learn, build awareness and promote justice for ethnic minority communities across the world.

Ways to observe Juneteenth in the workplace:

Recognising Juneteenth in the workplace can be an important way to honour and celebrate African-American and black history and culture.

Here are 7 ways that your business can honour this important day in a workplace setting:

1. Education and awareness: host workshops, seminars and guest speakers on Juneteenth history.
2. Share resources like articles and videos about Juneteenth or send out a companywide informational email.
3. Consider making Juneteenth a paid holiday.
4. Organise cultural workplace events, showcasing music, art and food.
5. Offer Inclusion and Belonging training - such as webinars or workshops - for your employees.
6. Highlight employees' personal stories and amplify voices within your organisation.
7. Consider charity or volunteer work with local black communities and causes.

There is always more to do

Through the celebration of Juneteenth, businesses have an opportunity to recognise the progress we’ve made as a nation while being honest with ourselves that we have work to do. We still believe that more listening and learning is the best starting point.

Whether it’s through your own journey or by connecting with resources, it’s the catalyst for productive action. We will never get where we need to be fast enough, but that can never get in the way of efforts to always be moving forward.