Leadership

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience

By Shyrie Joyner

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks a pivotal milestone in American history as the date when the last enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom. It commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States and has become a symbol of Black liberation, resilience, and cultural pride.

Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate states were free, enforcement relied heavily on the advance of Union troops. It was not until June 19, 1865, that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were free.

The day is known as “Juneteenth” — a blend of “June” and “nineteenth.” Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday and has been celebrated in various ways since 1866, with parades, barbeques, prayer services, music, and storytelling.

Despite its deep historical roots, Juneteenth was often overlooked in mainstream American culture. For decades, celebrations were centered in Black communities. However, the 21st century has seen a resurgence of interest and recognition. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in the United States, becoming the first new national holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983, and acknowledging the national significance of commemorating the end of slavery and the ongoing flight for civil rights and equality.

In recognizing Juneteenth today, modern celebrations blend education with festivity. Communities host events like cultural festivals, historical reenactments, lectures and panel discussions, art and musical performances, and community service initiatives. The red, black, and green of the Pan-African flag often accompany the Juneteenth flag, which features a bursting star to symbolize a new beginning for African Americans in all 50 states.

While Juneteenth is a celebration, it is also a moment of reflection. It reminds Americans of the nation’s painful past and the ongoing struggles against racial injustice. It calls for the honoring of Black voices, the preservation of African American history, and the continued fight for equality and justice.

In today’s increasingly diverse workforce, recognizing Juneteenth is a part of a broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. It serves as a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge historical injustice and its long-term impacts, as well as a celebration of the resilience and achievement of Black communities. This fosters dialogue about systemic inequality and how we can drive positive change as well as reaffirm company values around respect, dignity, and inclusion. By honoring Juneteenth, organizations demonstrate that they value not only cultural heritage but also the principles of freedom and justice that underpin inclusive workplaces.

Juneteenth is not just about a historical moment; it is about the enduring spirit of a people who fought for freedom and continue to strive for justice. As more Americans learn and engage with this important day, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder that freedom delayed is not freedom denied, and that true liberty requires both remembrance and action.

Shyrie Joyner

Shyrie Joyner, based out of Greenville, South Carolina, works at OB Hospitalist Group in the revenue cycle department as the manager of payor enrollment.