Commemorating Juneteenth and Windrush

Juneteenth and Windrush Day mark critical moments in US and UK history, respectively, and serve as both reminders of the progress we have made on the civil rights journey and how far we still need to go. The events over the past year have been met with a broad social awakening which has given culturally significant holidays like these a much needed platform of recognition and observance.

Over the last few weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the number of my colleagues who have reached out to ask how they can educate themselves on Juneteenth and Windrush and to share the ways in which they commemorate these holidays. As a result, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team crafted an internal resource kit which includes articles, books, documentaries and films, as well as a guide to support a variety of Black-owned businesses and to participate in virtual or in-person community service events where safe to do so. Earlier today during the firm’s thought leadership series, Talks at GS, we hosted Annette Gordon-Reed to discuss her book, On Juneteenth, and this week’s historic passing of Juneteenth as a US federal holiday. I look forward to hearing from David Olusoga, a historian, filmmaker and author of Black and British on Tuesday the 22nd in honor of Windrush.

When I think about the attributes that have helped me make the most impact across my career, they include empathy, perspective-taking, and active listening. Connecting with colleagues on a more personal level is not only my favorite part of my role but provides me with a better understanding of what needs to be done to advance the firm’s inclusion strategies and empower all our people to bring their authentic selves to work. With this lens, I asked several colleagues to share what Juneteenth and Windrush means to them, furthering our #BlackStories initiative which we launched last year to elevate Black voices across the firm. I’d like to share some of their reflections with you:

Marcus Lewis, Compliance (Dallas): “Juneteenth is now a reminder that work is still necessary to continue the progress toward equity and justice for everyone; that progress of liberty is ongoing. It’s also an opportunity to be grateful for those that planted seeds for trees that they would never sit under.”

Tia Adams, Global Markets (New York): “As a child, I did not appreciate the magnitude of Juneteenth. My family acknowledged the history, but quickly moved on to setting an expectation for me and my siblings to go to school, graduate, and work hard at blending in. As an adult, I celebrate Juneteenth differently. It’s an opportunity for our family to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of Black Americans. It’s pretty powerful to think about the accomplishments in spite of being enslaved for nearly 400 years. I would like for my daughter to have an understanding of and take pride in her rich history. I want her to understand that it’s ok for her to stand out, it’s ok if she doesn’t blend in. I want her to be proud and not lose herself. Juneteenth is an opportunity for the community and allies to confront our nation’s past through education, reflection and sharing.”

Clare Ashley, Engineering (London): “It is important to observe Windrush Day because the history of the Windrush generation is quite simply the history of Britain and, as with any stories about the UK today, it should be recognized, celebrated and widely acknowledged by all. This way, descendants can be aware of their own history and legacy, and allies are aware of the important contributions made by this group to the British society we live in today. As more and more of the Windrush generation is passing on, it is more important than ever that we ensure their stories are never forgotten.”

A brief history of both holidays:

Celebrated annually since the late 1800s, Juneteenth serves as the oldest African American holiday in the US and is a celebratory day of Black freedom. Despite the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were not aware of their emancipation until June 19th of 1865 when Civil War general Gordon Granger traveled there to ensure this was communicated. The holiday received its name by combining June and 19. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.” Juneteenth is celebrated in the Black community through gatherings, parades, prayers, educational events and more.

Windrush Day recognizes individuals from the Caribbean who sought legal residency in the UK after the Second World War in response to the demand in workforce—now known as the “Windrush generation.” This generation of individuals arrived in the UK legally, but politically and socially, the country was not accepting of this influx of immigrants. Many were denied access to private employment and accommodations and were also restaurants, clubs, and even churches leading to what is known as the Windrush scandal. Some were deported and many continued to suffer from systemic racism. Windrush Day as an observed day was not widely acknowledged until the 70th anniversary of the migration in 2018. Communities across the UK now host a variety of events and activities, such as dance performances, exhibitions, and debate.