Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, and informed the slaves that the Civil War had ended, and that slavery was abolished. That was two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that “all persons held as slaves…are, and henceforward shall be free.”
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, reflect, and take action. Black Employees at Veritas Empowered (BLEVE) ERG commemorates and observes this day of freedom and has provided ways for everyone to join the celebration:
- Read about Juneteenth: https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth
- Donate to Civil rights organizations, supporting issues of racial equality
- Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/global-actions/
- NAACP https://naacp.org/
- The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/
- Educational Foundation for Youth of Color
- Watch the movie 13th: 13th trailer
- Support black entrepreneurs across the U.S. or, even better, find a black-owned business in your own neighborhood.
- Enjoy art created by black Americans, such as the Miss Juneteenth film.
This is what Juneteenth means to the BLEVE Family:
Lenny Alugas | EVP Customer Success, BLEVE Executive Sponsor
Juneteenth 2021 is a monumental historical American event as it represents the ending of slavery 156 years ago. This event, ideally, enabled Black citizens to be treated fairly, with respect and equality to all other Americans. We still have more work to do to get to that ideal state.
Juneteenth reminds me to take time to celebrate how far Black people have come. It was a long slow journey, but the destination was clear. As I look at the world today, it is clear, that the journey has not ended.
Allen Greene | District Leader, Business Development & Strategic Programs
The one thing I've learned over the years, is that history is the foundation and indeed the rock on which our future and the life of a nation is built. However, if forgotten, the future starts anew without the hopes and aspirations to build upon. Juneteenth represents, for me, a foundational moment, I have traced my family's history here in this nation back to 1793, some 12 miles from where I live today. I’m committed to building a better world for my future generations and those around me. Without a sense of history, you lose that sense of the struggles and the hopes of those that came before you. As a nation, forgetting the past can cause us to forget the good we've done across the world while also forgetting the painful legacies which we continue to suffer through today. We must never forget Juneteenth and carry forward the hopes of those who came before us.
Akibo Watson | IT Business Analyst
Every year, Juneteenth reignites my faith in the ability of mankind to continually strive towards its bright ideals. Recognizing Juneteenth means celebrating the hope that lies within our future.
Ameer Robinson | Customer Success Manager Public Sector
In the words of President Obama, Juneteenth ‘[i]s a celebration of progress.’ Still, we must remember to work toward continued progress for a fair and free experience for all that call this country home.
Cassandra Anderson | IT Program Manager
Juneteenth is a celebratory time but it is also a time to pause and reflect on the significance of a powerful turning point in history. Juneteenth provides an opportunity to honor the rich heritage of black people and should inspire each of us to continue to carry on the legacy of being champions for change and equality.
Mously Pluviose | Customer Success Manager
Juneteenth inspires me to treat everyone in my human family with respect, dignity, and care. It’s the way that I uphold the spirit of Juneteenth!
Josepha Kingsley-Williams | Sr. Principal Paralegal, Ethics, Compliance & Litigation
When I reflect on Juneteenth, I am reminded of a quote by Coretta Scott King: “Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation.” Juneteenth, for me, invokes deep gratitude to those on whose shoulders we stand. It imbibes one with hope and jubilation for the possibilities of tomorrow. And it urges me to continue the march forward.
Melanie Greene | Sr. Product Marketing Specialist
Juneteenth symbolizes freedom. I think about U.S. Representative and civil rights leader John Lewis who said, “Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.” Juneteenth inspires me to think about our ancestors that fought for a better future for us all, and that empowers me to be an agent of truth and change.
Brian White | Sr. Princ Product Manager, Enablement Specialist
Juneteenth unchained and released the true power of Black people in America. This was the first sign of Black equality in America which opened the doors for Black people to elevate and show excellence. Because of Juneteenth, I am.
