Tips From a DE&I Expert: 5 Ways to Help Your Employees Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also referred to as Freedom Day, holds great significance as it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the accomplishments, culture, and resilience of the Black community. As an inclusive workplace, it is crucial to acknowledge and embrace the spirit of Juneteenth. At RippleMatch, for example, we aim to prioritize DE&I at the highest level, and are closed in observance of this historic day. In this blog post, we will explore five additional ways to help your employees celebrate Juneteenth in the workplace, fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality. 

Share resources about Juneteenth to educate your staff

Don’t be surprised if not everyone in your office knows the significance of Juneteenth. To share the historical significance of Juneteenth with your employees, you can initiate workshops, training sessions, or informal conversations that will provide them with insight into the profound importance of this day. You can encourage open discussions about the challenges faced by the Black community, emphasizing the progress made thus far and the ongoing work required. You can also share valuable resources such as books, documentaries, or podcasts that delve into the history and significance of Juneteenth. This enables everyone to develop a deeper understanding and empathy towards one another.

Suggested Resources:

• Juneteenth reading list from the Smithsonian 
• List of suggested documentaries to watch in celebration of Juneteenth by Essence Magazine

Invite an external speaker to speak about the significance of Juneteenth

To honor African American culture and history, you should consider inviting inspirational guest speakers, musicians, or performers to share their stories and talents with your team members. You can create cultural showcases, art exhibitions, or movie screenings that highlight the remarkable achievements of the Black community. Moreover, you can encourage your employees to showcase their own talents through poetry readings, musical performances, or storytelling sessions. Let appreciation and positive energy flow freely!

Suggested Resources:

• Collective Speakers  (find a well-curated and diverse list of speakers for virtual or in person DEI related events)
• Engage (find a great roster of DEI focused speakers) 
• All American Speakers (find racial justice focused speakers specifically curated for Juneteenth) 

Provide your employees with a list of Black-owned business to support

Actively supporting the Black community involves championing Black-owned businesses. Collaborate with local vendors or explore online platforms that offer a diverse range of products and services that your employees can support. You can organize a marketplace or develop a digital directory featuring Black-owned businesses for your team to explore. Do not hesitate to share your favorite Black-owned businesses with your colleagues.

Suggested Resources: 

• 33 Black owned businesses to support in Atlanta 
• 198 Black owned businesses to support in NYC 
• Black owned businesses to know about and support in San Francisco

Arrange volunteer opportunities to assist in local nonprofits, community centers, or other groups empowering the Black community

Juneteenth presents a perfect opportunity to engage in community service and lend support to organizations striving for racial equality. Arrange volunteer opportunities for your team to assist local nonprofits, community centers, or initiatives that empower the Black community. This may involve mentoring programs, career development workshops, or fundraising events for important causes. Encouraging your employees to actively contribute helps establish a workplace culture that values social responsibility and equality. It's time to make a difference!

Host an event with an ERG that supports Black Employees

Partner with an ERG at your company that supports Black employees to host an event that the whole company can participate in, such as a panel in which you invite a speaker to talk about racial inequality, unconscious biases, and the experiences of marginalized communities.  Provide your employees with the opportunity to share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas for improvement. Sustaining this ongoing dialogue helps everyone gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by the Black community and collaborate on meaningful solutions.

By celebrating Juneteenth in your workplace, you actively honor the history, culture, and resilience of the Black community. Through education, support for Black-owned businesses, community engagement, and fostering inclusive dialogue, you create a work environment that embraces diversity and advocates for equality. These actions demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility while cultivating a sense of belonging, respect, and appreciation among your exceptional employees. Let Juneteenth be the catalyst for progress, heritage celebration, and inspiration.