Juneteenth is an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America; it’s one of the oldest celebrations for African-Americans, dating back to the 1800s.

On June 19, 1865, a full two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger led thousands of federal troops to Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended, and slaves had been freed. Approximately 250,000 Texan slaves had no idea that their freedom had been secured by the government.

155 years later, we at BGSF will be joining people across the U.S. in celebrating and recognizing Juneteenth (June 19th) by taking the afternoon off to rest, reflect, share, learn, and act.

Our offices will be closing at noon and our hope is that those at BGSF use this time to further their understanding, empathy, and awareness of racial injustice in our country.

Ways to spend the day…

Reflection and rest:

• Time for a gut check. When it comes to issues surrounding race, do you lack knowledge? Empathy? Understanding? Once we understand, a clearing is created where change and progress can grow.

• Remove yourself from the press, social media, and other “noise” to process current events at a personal, introspective level.

• Engaging your family or friends in learning about Juneteenth and the importance it relates to our world today.

Learning:

• Increase your personal awareness and understanding. Follow this link: Juneteenth Resources

Take action:

• Register to vote and complete the 2020 U.S. Census.

• Show support – shop at black-owned businesses in your communities.

• Join a Juneteenth celebration.

• Blackout Day – July 7, 2020 – citizens of all races can participate in this day of solidarity in America when not one Black person or Person of Color will spend a single dollar. Black, Latin, Asian, and Native Americans alone have a combined spending power of $3.9 trillion.

This year’s celebration resonates in new ways, and we ask that you take this day to find your voice, find your power, and do something that takes you out of your comfort zone.

At BGSF, we don’t have all the answers, but we have a voice. And so, do you, we hope that you all use your own unique gifts to fill this day with celebration, reflection, learning, educating, and most importantly, growing.

All are welcome to participate, contribute, and help lead the conversation!