Juneteenth Is Here!

As we approach June 19th, I am reminded of Juneteenth's significance for Black people in the United States. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and marks the moment when Black people were finally granted their freedom after centuries of oppression and injustice.

As a Black woman, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) specialist, Juneteenth holds a special significance for me. This day reminds me of the resilience and strength of Black people in the face of adversity and injustice, and it is a time to celebrate the contributions and culture of Black Americans to our shared history.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the significance of Juneteenth, and many companies have started to recognize it. Future leaders expect a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. To meet the expectations of your team members, I would like to share with you five actions that you can take to honor Juneteenth and demonstrate your commitment to creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces:

1. Celebrate with your ERG’s, TRG’s or BRG’s: Recognize Juneteenth company-wide or within your company resource groups, and if you have not created resource groups, use this as a time to start. This sends a powerful message that the company values the significance of differences and community and acknowledges its relevance to all employees.

2. Hold a company-wide celebration: Organize a company-wide celebration to commemorate Juneteenth. This can include a keynote speaker, music, food, and cultural activities in-person and/or virtual that honor Black culture and history.

3. Provide education and resources: Host educational sessions or provide resources that educate employees about the significance of Juneteenth and its relevance to current racial justice issues. This can include sharing books, documentaries, or articles that explore the history and impact of slavery and systemic racism.

4. Support Black-owned businesses: Use the occasion of Juneteenth to support Black-owned businesses by featuring their products or services or making a financial contribution to a Black-led organization.

5. Recommit to long-term diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts: Use Juneteenth as an opportunity to recommit to long-term diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the company. This can include setting measurable goals for increasing diversity and implementing policies and practices that support equitable and inclusive workplaces.

These actions can help your company not only honor the significance of Juneteenth, but also demonstrate your commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture.

It is our responsibility as leaders to combat the great resignation and quiet quitting and give the future generation of leaders a culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. As a Keynote Speaker and DEI Specialist, I have spoken to many companies sharing my keynote address, Diversity of Thought | The Power of Inclusion and Belonging. Your team will walk away with takeaways to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

By recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth, you can demonstrate your commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and create a workplace culture that reflects your values of Belonging.

Juneteenth is a day of both celebration and reflection. I encourage you to take this opportunity to learn, celebrate, and honor the legacy of this important day.

Sincerely,

Scharrell

Your Leadership Coach