Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a testomony to our shared humanity. Let’s come collectively to honor the previous, embrace the current, and construct a future the place each voice is heard and each expertise shines.
Following one other profitable Cisco Reside! expertise, I’m nonetheless in awe of the various conversations I’ve had surrounding the significance of inclusion and pursuing purposeful work that builds enterprise values. Reflecting on the significance of this upcoming Juneteenth vacation and what it means to me, Cisco’s function to energy an inclusive future for all echoes as we sponsor the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Competition for the third yr in a row.
Why we rejoice Juneteenth
Juneteenth, often known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the second on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when the final enslaved African Individuals in Galveston, Texas, had been knowledgeable of their freedom. Today serves as a pivotal level in African American historical past and represents a profound testomony to the enduring spirit of a individuals who have tirelessly advocated for freedom and equality.
For me, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a testomony to our shared humanity. As I take into consideration my journey because the Chief Range, Fairness, and Inclusion Officer of Cisco, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how my father’s journey contributed to creating me who I’m at the moment. He immigrated to the US from the Bahamas within the Nineteen Forties with solely a sixth-grade schooling and a superhuman work ethic. He usually labored a number of low wage jobs, all whereas enduring the cruel realities of racial segregation and stereotypes. Regardless of having restricted alternatives, his religion, pleasure, and hope had been boundless. The muse of arduous work and willpower he instilled in my brothers and me performed an incredible position in all that I’ve completed to this point.
This vacation serves as a time to rejoice the energy, resilience and willpower of my family and the households of these whose desires had been denied or deferred. Though rooted in African American historical past, Juneteenth’s core values of freedom, resilience, and equality transcend cultural boundaries and resonate universally. Embracing it as a nationwide celebration reinforces the concept that freedom and justice usually are not unique to anybody group however are inherent rights for all.
Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
As we rejoice Juneteenth, it’s essential to take heed to and elevate the tales and experiences of African Individuals and different marginalized teams.
We are able to try this by:
- Supporting Black-owned companies.
- Investing in Traditionally Black Schools and Universities. Discover how we’re partnering with HBCU’s like Clark Atlanta and others to drive impression as a part of Cisco’s Social Justice Actions.
- In search of out the experience of Black voices who’re lacking from the desk.
- Advocating for the profession development of Black workers by sponsorship and The Multiplier Impact.
A Name for Reflection and Motion
Juneteenth calls upon every of us to be change brokers within the ongoing combat for equality and justice. Being a change agent requires a dedication to steady studying and unlearning, recognizing our personal biases, and actively working to dismantle them. Whether or not you’re attending the Cisco sponsored Juneteenth Parade in Atlanta, one of many many celebrations happenings throughout the US or gathering with your loved ones and associates, I hope you’ll discover time to replicate on methods you can champion change in your group. Might we floor ourselves on the day by day reminder that the combat for freedom and equality is ongoing and requires the collective effort of all individuals to embrace and honor our shared humanity.
Wishing you a cheerful Juneteenth! Might it’s full of pleasure and function!
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