6/18/2024
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Posted by Crysell Allen, RN, MSN, CCM, Fidelis Care Sr. Manager, Clinical Programs
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the final enslaved people were told in Galveston, Texas, that they were free.
Juneteenth is an important milestone in American culture. It celebrates the liberation from discriminatory, immoral, and inhumane beliefs, policies, and systems that we cannot afford to repeat. In 1867, the Freedmen's Bureau organized the first Juneteenth celebration. The day (melding the words `June' and `nineteenth') was first celebrated in Galveston.
Opal Lee, an activist and educator known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” made national headlines for her decades-long advocacy to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. President Biden officially made Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021, and Lee was on hand to see this important day become recognized across the country. With the publication of her children's book, “Juneteenth: A Children's Story,” Lee educated the masses about Juneteenth, particularly children. She has famously said, "If we can teach people to hate, then we can teach people to love."
Celebrations and Traditions
The holiday is considered the "longest-running African American holiday" and has been called "America's second Independence Day." Today, it is observed primarily through local celebrations. In many places, Juneteenth has become a multicultural holiday. One of the most important and immediately impactful actions anyone can take is to support black-owned businesses and organizations.
I honor the legacy of my ancestors by working with the North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated to plan its annual Juneteenth Celebration. We fill the Community Fridge before the event to address food insecurity. We have elected officials and community-based organizations share information about their services. We address issues like voter registration, gun violence, banned books, and healthcare disparities. We showcase the artwork of students from one of the local schools. We have performers, vendors, games, arts and crafts, trivia, prizes, and snacks. My father attends the event with me. As we celebrate, we address the things that are holding us back as a people and a nation. This year, our theme is emancipating the mind, body, and soul through social action.
Celebrating Juneteenth in the Workplace
Recognizing Juneteenth in the workplace supports corporate diversity ideals and sends a signal that a company is truly dedicated to its diverse employee base. There are many opportunities for employers. Decorate a conference room, lobby, or workspace with a Juneteenth theme to acknowledge the day. Bring the group together for refreshments and an explanation of Juneteenth. Challenge co-workers to present African American facts and debunk myths and stereotypes. I am grateful that my employer, Fidelis Care, takes time to highlight the historical importance of the day.
For more information, visit https://www.juneteenth.com/
Crysell Allen, RN, MSN, CCM, is the Senior Manager for Long-Term Care (LTC) Clinical Programs at Fidelis Care. She started in MLTC as a field nurse and has held management positions in both the care management and intake departments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Nursing and a master’s degree in Nursing/Business. She is a dedicated and committed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides assistance and support through established programs in communities throughout the world.