Embracing Progress: Why Your Company Should Add Juneteenth to Its List of Paid Holidays
In recent years, Juneteenth has gained significant recognition as a pivotal moment in American history. Celebrated on June 19th, it marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. As of two years ago, Juneteenth became a National Holiday. As companies strive to create inclusive and diverse work environments, adding Juneteenth to the list of paid holidays is a powerful step toward acknowledging this critical part of American history and promoting a culture of respect and understanding.
Celebrating Freedom: The Coolest Places Embracing Juneteenth as a National Holiday and Why You Should Too
Juneteenth, a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth," marks a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were now free—two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. This day, known as Juneteenth, has grown from a regional celebration to a nationwide movement, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality.