Our Work Is Not Done: Commemorating Juneteenth
Teammates,
As most of you may have seen in the news, yesterday, our country reached yet another incredible milestone in signing Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially making it a federal holiday and commemorating emancipation.
In the simplest of words, I feel deep gratitude knowing that my own ancestors and their freedom will forever be celebrated and remembered. While this recognition is long overdue, we stand on the shoulders of countless heroes – known and unknown, black, brown and white – who have come before us and have lived and died for the American declaration that all are created equal and all should be free to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
Yet, our work is not done.
As I shared in my Juneteenth message last year, it will take all of us – together – to end all racial injustice that still exists in our world today. And, in order to do so, we must continue to take action. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said:
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
So, today, I ask that we each continue to affirm and live out our FOR ALL mission. To reach out to those who are struggling. To help create an environment where, inside and outside of our walls, everyone feels a sense of belonging. And to continue to have courageous conversations where we listen and learn from each other.
It is in these actions that who we are as Atrium Health will continue to have a far reaching impact throughout all the communities we serve.
Please be on the lookout for a message from our HR leadership in the near future who will provide more details on how Atrium Health will observe the new Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
Thanks for all you do to embody our mission – in big ways and small – every single day.
Warm regards,
Eugene A. Woods
President & CEO, Atrium Health
Financial Analyst| MS, Grants Management
3 年Thank you, your message was Inspirational!!? ?
Developing Entrepreneur
3 年That's just the point. I'm pro everyone. But I have to include myself. I recommend that everyone do so in developing their self esteem and developing their knowledge.
Freelance grantwriter and strategist for arts, children, education, underserved communities, food security, environmental conservation. Let's maximize your organization's impact!
3 年Yes, this is a very important milestone. But let's not forget that the Juneteenth designation comes at a time when -- incredibly -- teaching about issues related to racism and racial injustice is BANNED in many public schools throughout the country. Still lots and lots of work left to do.
Mental Health Ambassador
3 年"Today, I ask that we each continue to affirm and live out our?FOR ALL?mission. To reach out to those who are struggling. To help create an environment where, inside and outside of our walls, everyone feels a sense of belonging. And to continue to have courageous conversations where we listen and learn from each other." Perfectly stated! I would love to hear more about how Atrium Health plans to observe the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and what other companies and employees are doing in observance.
Creating Sustainable Relationships at DHLArchitecturePLLC
3 年It is only a significant beginning!