Juneteenth’s Impact Remains a Powerful Message To Share With Your Teams
June brings about many festive celebrations and holidays, including one of the newer federal holidays, Juneteenth.
As many businesses appear to be rolling back Juneteenth, other DEI initiatives, and events similar to what’s happened with PRIDE Month festivities, one thought leader in our space suggests that Juneteenth is still an important message of lasting impact internally.
But what is Juneteenth? Also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” it is celebrated as the day the last group of enslaved Black Americans in Texas were told of their freedom — almost three years after President Abraham Lincoln read the Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavery on Jan. 1, 1863.
The U.N. Global Compact USA chapter published Wednesday that Juneteenth still provides a pivotal message: “change doesn’t end with policy” and can be used to build a strong “strategic roadmap” for businesses large and small.
The UNGC USA says that companies with “gender-diverse leadership teams are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability,” while also noting that “those (companies) with various perspectives at the executive level see a 36% higher likelihood of success.”
“Still, companies must navigate significant challenges to reap these benefits fully. A new law, initiative, or company policy may signal progress,” the article reads. “However, the day-to-day decisions, resource allocations, and cultural shifts determine whether those ideals translate into meaningful outcomes. Understanding these challenges — and finding solutions — requires looking at history. Juneteenth is a reminder that policy alone won’t close gaps. Action will.”
But one thing companies should avoid while celebrating Juneteenth and other holidays is being performative, especially in light of DEI programs being rolled back in 2025. Being genuine goes a long way, as Popular Information notes.
To read more on what the Global Compact Network USA has to say about the impacts of this federal holiday, click here.
More like this:
- Juneteenth celebrations adapt after corporate sponsors pull support — ABC News
- 7 Companies That Celebrate Juneteenth and Inspire Action — Good Era
- On Juneteenth: New research demonstrates how economic mobility is restricted for Black Americans — The Washington Center for Equitable Growth
- How to Prepare for Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday — Diversity.com
- 3 Things to Know: Consumer Sentiment on Immigration Policy, Americans Favor Increasing Public Education Funding, and Juneteenth Plans — Civic Science