Indeedians share their reflections on Juneteenth and how they plan to celebrate
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On June 19th, Indeed continues to proudly recognize Juneteenth, (short for “June Nineteenth”) also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. Although Juneteenth is a day of celebration, it also serves as a vast reminder of systemic racism and social injustices African Americans face in their continued fight for freedom and equality in the U.S. To honor this history, ‘Juneteenth National Independence Day’ was signed into law as an official US holiday on June 17th, 2021.
We honor and uplift the rich African-American legacy on which the United States of America was built. Join us in taking this day to celebrate Black liberation, culture, innovation, excellence and activism. This year and every year to follow, Juneteenth will be recognized as an official company holiday for Indeedians in the US.
Learn more about Juneteenth and how we celebrated last year
Patience, persistence and planning
“Juneteenth commemorates the day that the last slaves were freed in 1865 in Galveston, Texas, a whole 2.5 years after the emancipation proclamation was signed on Jan 1st, 1863. That is two and a half more years of trauma, bondage, and suffering while the rest of our people were finally learning what freedom, or at least some modicum of it, was. In those two years, there were very likely black men, women, and children who died in chains. Never knowing that their freedom by law was awarded to them years prior.
Today, our perception of Juneteenth has evolved somewhat. We still recognize it as “freedom day” and celebrate the moment that all of us were finally freed, but we also recognize it as a day to appreciate how far we’ve come. Who we are, what we do, and how we provide for our families are things that our ancestors could only dream of.
We have been blessed with opportunities that for many of us can be the stepping stones to creating generational wealth. What I have learned from my ancestors is to be patient, persistent, and planning in the pursuit of that goal. What I have learned from Juneteenth is to appreciate where I am, but to always be wary and alert of the unknown forces that wish to hold you back.” – Moises, Senior Account Executive, Stamford
Recognizing Juneteenth as a company holiday
“On my first day in office at Indeed, I found myself at a BIG event and I heard our CEO speak about us working together to make Indeed an even more inclusive place to work where everyone feels seen. Indeed recognizing Juneteenth as a company-wide holiday is an example of SLT putting action to their words… and I LOVE TO SEE IT!
This year I will be spending my Juneteenth sharing stories, enjoying delicious Juneteenth traditions (especially the red soda pop and tea cakes) with friends and family!” – Candra, Senior Project Manager, New York
Every year our U.S. employees will have this day off to observe and reflect on Juneteenth, and while activities are still virtual #insideindeed, we remain connected in celebrating all together.
Check out highlight’s from BIG’s Juneteenth Instagram takeover last year
Knowledge, joy and liberation
“When I think about what Juneteenth means to me, the words knowledge, joy, and liberation come to mind. As the parent of an intelligent and beautiful Black girl, I like to take this day to not only remember the history of Juneteenth but also focus on the importance of celebrating who we are! Black people are not a monolith, we can be joyous while remembering the past and challenge oppression. I am grateful to have this day off to be with my family, embodying all the freedom that we deserve.” – Romney, Client Success, Dedicated
Educating, volunteering and mentoring
“I’m planning on having a conversation with my friends this weekend around the last year and how the racial reckoning has impacted our day to day lives. I’m also planning on publishing a post on my blog about how the effects of slavery and Jim Crow laws have impacted Black people’s ability to earn and retain wealth. I also want to do some volunteering virtually if possible – we have the opportunity (at Indeed) to mentor college students from HBCUs that I want to sign up for!
Indeed has really been very proactive in supporting me and people that look like me. When I look around the landscape of corporate America, most companies have only just started providing the kind of support that Indeed has provided for almost 4 years now. The fact that BIG has existed in some form since 2016, is huge for me. It’s a reason I stay at Indeed and a reason I want people like me to come work here.” – Gyasi, Lead, Global Product Solutions
Discovering something new
“I think it’s an important day for everyone to reflect. Take time to discover something new. Show appreciation and gratitude for your favorite black art, music, media. For it represents perseverance and hope. I’m a film geek so I plan to use this day to soak up and celebrate Black cinema and be inspired by my culture and history.” – Abeni, Employer Brand Specialist
A step up and step forward
“This Juneteenth, I will be hosting a cookout with some family and friends. I am grateful that we as a company acknowledge this day and its significance. It ties back to one of our core values, which is Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. Likewise, our mission to help people get jobs is one of the most critical ways that allow others, as our Chief Revenue Officer and BIG Executive Sponsor, Nolan, would say, to “take a step up and a step forward” for themselves as well as for their families.” – Trevor, Director of Inside Sales, Stamford
Happy and hopeful Juneteenth to all!
Learn more about Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Indeed.
Read CEO Chris Hyams’ full statement of acknowledgement and support to the Black community
