Members of Indeed’s Black Inclusion Group (BIG) reflect on what Juneteenth means to them and share how they plan to celebrate.
On June 19th, Indeed continues to proudly recognize Juneteenth, (short for “June Nineteenth”) also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, and Black Independence Day, marking the end of slavery in the United States of America.
Juneteenth commemorates the date– June 19th, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, which legally ended slavery in the United States of America, but oppressors in Texas had ignored the law and continued to illegally enslave people until Union General Gordon Granger enforced federal orders to free all. To honor this history, ‘Juneteenth National Independence Day’ was signed into law as an official US holiday on June 17th, 2021.
While Juneteenth represents freedom, 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.A. 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 reflect and celebrate Black liberation, culture, innovation, excellence, and activism. Juneteenth is and will continue to be recognized as an official company holiday for Indeedians in the US.
Learn more about Juneteenth and how we celebrated last year
“For me, as a Black woman in America, Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a renewal of hope and gratitude for where I am today, and a reminder of the strength of my ancestors to keep pushing to tomorrow. I’m so proud to say our company acknowledges this day and gives all U.S. employees time off to reflect. More so, Indeed gives us the opportunity and platform to share our collective story.” – Abeni, Employer Brand Specialist, Austin
A day of remembrance and celebration
“Juneteenth is not only a celebration of slaves becoming free, but it’s also the celebration of slaves knowing they are free! This kind of awareness causes me to appreciate and honor the journey that my ancestors endured. Juneteenth is the acknowledgment of a great change. “Change” is one of the coldest words in the vocabulary that many struggle with right now.
As a Southern Black female, I have seen firsthand (and still see) the damage that the institution of slavery caused to the identity, customs, and social outlook of my people. Juneteenth changed all of that and I’m honored to be able to celebrate that great change!
To celebrate, the first thing I do is make sure I don’t work! This is a day of freedom. My family has its Family Reunion on Juneteenth every other year. This is a time to see all of my family, share our journeys…our joys…our recipes…our music….our new milestones and plan for the next gathering! In the “off-year” from the family reunion, I attend as many Juneteenth festivals as I can attend. It’s always a great time!
Juneteenth is a light that shines even though there is still much darkness left. To celebrate freedom is to celebrate life and all its possibilities. Juneteenth is the time when we get to do just that!” -Tonya, Program Manager, Remote
How far we’ve come, and still have to go
“Juneteenth to me means freedom and equality. It reminds me of all those who fought for us. From Martin Luther King to Rosa Parks to Harriet Tubman. It reminds me that being a black person in America was not always equal, easy, or right, but that being black stands for strength, resilience, and hard work. Juneteenth reminds me of how much work we still have to do for the countless names of people that have been affected by racism and discrimination. All the innocent people have lost their lives. Juneteenth reminds me of how far we’ve come, but how much further we still have to go. It’s evidence that if we stand up, if we fight for what’s truly right, equality is a realistic goal and the way of the future.” -Gary, Client Development Specialist, Scottsdale
Hear how Indeed has supported Gary’s feeling of inclusion & belonging at work in the video below.
Furthering equity and inclusiveness #insideindeed & beyond
“Juneteenth is about Black people’s liberation. It’s a celebration of our ancestors’ freedom. Personally, I see Juneteenth as an opportunity for our community to demonstrate resiliency through celebrating Black joy and unity. This year I’ll be with family at a local community celebration. I was happy to see Indeed recognize the holiday. Historically, I’ve taken PTO for Juneteenth, so it’s nice to have it recognized officially as a company holiday.
I’m so proud of the Black Inclusion Group and the work they have been doing to advance the careers of Black Indeedians through formal mentorship and educating us about internal mobility opportunities. Creating more opportunities for Black employees to reach senior and executive levels will ensure that doors are opened and barriers are broken for current and future employees.” -Chela, Training and Development Senior Program Manager, Remote
Stronger together than we are apart
“Much of my family hails from the south, where slavery and the civil rights era still loom large over the history and the community. Juneteenth serves as a reminder that while this country may have declared itself free from British rule in 1776, many of our ancestors did not know the benefits of freedom until after June 19th, 1865.
I celebrate Juneteenth typically by meeting with family and friends to enjoy the weather at a cookout or get together while sharing memories of times past. This year, I will be doing some of the same but with a twist. I will be hosting a game night at my home with friends and family, including some home-cooked food. I want this year’s celebration to bring joy to those I care about while giving everyone an opportunity to relax and be their authentic selves in a safe space.
Indeed has supported my feelings of inclusion and belonging at work by providing opportunities to be a part of Inclusion Resource Groups (IRGs) such as the Black Inclusion Group (BIG) and other groups that support togetherness across several verticals. It’s in times like these that we need to come together through shared experiences and realize that we are stronger together than we are apart.” -Tim, Learning & Development Specialist, Stamford
Taking time to reflect
“The willingness to reflect on and celebrate the life skills, culture, cuisine, faith, endurance, strength, and ingenuity that was brought forth as a result of slavery will never diminish the hardship, physical and mental cruelty, abuse, the disruption of family and culture, and other demeaning acts that were encountered. In life, there will always be challenges.
If you can find and hold on to something positive, there is room for hope and an opportunity for change.
I am glad to work for a company that recognizes the importance of observing Juneteenth. It is one of many positive events and efforts at Indeed that reflect the opportunities and willingness for change. So this Juneteenth, I will lift my glass of Red Drink to all who recognize, educate themselves, celebrate, and acknowledge the significance of this day!” -Marjorie, Manager, Technical Program Management, Remote
More than a day of celebration
“When I think about Juneteenth I not only think of it as my Independence Day, but also as a day that solidified my God-given right to live in this world, unapologetically Black. I am able to celebrate what it means to be me… every ounce of melanin in my skin, every kink and coil in my hair, the fullness of my facial features, and everything else that makes me the strong woman that I am…I celebrate. As a black woman who has two beautiful black daughters, I take time out of every day to teach them positive affirmations, so they grow into black women who love themselves just as they are and are planted FIRMLY in their right to live unapologetically.
To work for a company that not only recognizes and honors the importance of Juneteenth but also creates a platform where knowledge can be shared, changes can be made and inclusivity is protected, has been a true blessing. I feel valued, respected, and acknowledged, and above all, I am proud to be a part of such an amazing company and to call myself an Indeedian.” -Jessica, Client Success Specialist, Scottsdale
Jessica shares how Indeed has supported her feeling of inclusion & belonging at work in the video below.
Liberation and legacy
“Juneteenth for me is a great day to remember where we came from, how far we have come and how far we still need to go. I will be spending the day with friends and family with it also being Father’s Day that day as well. Now that my daughter is getting a bit older I can also start to teach her about Juneteenth as well so she starts to learn about her history.” -Chris, Client Optimization Manager, Scottsdale
Happy and hopeful Juneteenth to all!
Learn more about Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Indeed.
Read CEO Chris Hyams’ full statement of acknowledgment and support to the Black community
