By Breanna Gardner, HR Manager
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Texas were free. More than 160 years later, the holiday continues to serve as a time for reflection and education, as well as understanding.
In partnership with the Black Employee Network (BEN), one of our employee resource groups, we invited employees, both members and allies, to reflect on one question: “What’s one story or perspective about Juneteenth that you believe more people should know?
For Uwe Hurley, understanding the history behind Juneteenth is essential. “People should know that on June 19, 1865, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state of Texas were freed by executive decree,” he said. “This day came to be known as Juneteenth by the emancipated American people in Texas.”
For Erik Scudder, the significance of Juneteenth extends beyond the historical event itself. “To me, Juneteenth is more than a celebration of freedom delayed; it’s a potent reminder that African American history is American history,” he said. “The story of the United States, its ideals, struggles, innovations and culture, cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the experiences and contributions of Black Americans. When we learn and reflect on this together, we can gain deeper insights into who we are as a country and, most importantly, who we aspire to be.”
George Tuma reflected on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and the work that continued long after emancipation. “Juneteenth should not only be regarded as the price of freedom, but also as a continuous battle toward total and complete freedom for all African Americans,” he said.
Kimberly Price shared a broader reflection on the meaning of freedom itself. “Freedom and independence to be who you were born to be is the heartbeat of a society that strives to live without pain,” she said.
Each perspective highlights a different dimension of Juneteenth, from its historical origins to its enduring relevance today. Together, they remind us that understanding history helps us appreciate the progress that has been made, recognize the contributions that have shaped our society, and continue learning from one another.
We are proud to continue to foster a workplace where inclusion, equity, and representation are actively advanced, in partnership with BEN and through the voices and experiences of our employees.