Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day – is a holiday celebrating the freedom of those enslaved in the United States. The date commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement that brought slavery to its true and actual end, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was enacted. 

To underscore its historical importance across our nation, Juneteenth was established as a national holiday in 2021. Families and communities will celebrate with parades, private gatherings, art exhibits, traditional dance, church services, and the like. We too, pay homage and reflect on the significance of this date that represents the beginning of a journey for Black Americans. In remembering this moment in history, we gain hope and courage to stand against what we’ve seen in recent days, as the pervasive threats against Black communities, their freedom and equality.

We not only honor this day, we put the spirit of freedom and equality into action all year long when we connect with our communities and partner with them for the advancement of economic growth, among many other efforts. One tangible example is our long standing partnership with Black owned and Black founded businesses. In helping to amplify their reach and visibility in the marketplace, we are just one part of their mission to grow safe and thriving companies, communities and families.

As we reflect on the meaning of this day, we encourage our teammates and guests to do the same. Join us as we continue practicing and ever improving our culture of diversity and inclusion and equitable community partnership.