Whether or not companies should acknowledge Juneteenth as a national holiday is largely a matter of personal choice. Although it is not an official national holiday, some companies have chosen to recognize and celebrate the holiday or join in the many nationwide Juneteenth commemorations.
This can involve giving employees the day off, offering monetary bonuses, or simply recognizing the history and importance of the event. Each company should consider the needs of its employees, the nature of its business, and the overall state of the celebration when making its own decision.
Companies should also take into consideration how their actions could affect their standing with the public and within their industry. Regardless of the decision, it is important to remember to be respectful and acknowledge the historical importance of Juneteenth.
Table of Contents
Should my company recognize Juneteenth?
Yes, your company should absolutely recognize and celebrate Juneteenth. This day is an important milestone in the history of the United States and in the struggle for freedom and civil rights for African Americans.
By recognizing the significance of the day and commemorating it in an appropriate manner, your organization can show its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Some ideas for recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth include holding a company-wide discussion and acknowledgement of the day’s historical significance, hosting a virtual event that celebrates African American culture and achievements, and using Juneteenth as an opportunity to learn more about the African American experience.
You could also provide employees with resources to further their understanding and appreciation of this important day. Finally, you could volunteer time and resources to support local African American organizations and initiatives that are dedicated to advancing equity.
By taking the time to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, your company can demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality, which will ultimately benefit all members of your organization.
Is Juneteenth a mandatory federal holiday?
No, Juneteenth is not a mandatory federal holiday. It is a recognized holiday celebrated throughout the United States, and it commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19th, 1865.
Even though it is a national holiday, it is not a federal legal holiday like other holidays, so employers are not required to give their employees either a paid or unpaid day off to observe the holiday.
In addition, federal, state, and county offices remain open on Juneteenth and all other employees are expected to go to work. Even though it is not a mandatory federal holiday, many employers are taking initiative to give their employees the day off to recognize the significance of Juneteenth and many cities, including some federally recognized cities, are recognizing the holiday by closing off streets, recognizing it on their calendars, developing programming and other initiatives to promote it.
Therefore, while Juneteenth is an important day to recognize the history of African Americans, it is not yet a mandatory federal holiday.
Who gets Juneteenth off for a holiday?
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated annually on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. As it is a day of significance, many employers throughout the country are giving their employees the day off in recognition of the importance of the holiday.
While not all employers give Juneteenth off as a paid holiday (or a holiday at all), the list of those that do feature their own unique policies continues to grow year by year.
At the time of this writing, some of the major companies that have declared Juneteenth a paid holiday include Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Sony, Microsoft, Twitter, Starbucks, EA Games, Slack, Salesforce, and Nike.
Numerous state and local governments have also added Juneteenth to the list of official holidays, giving government employees the day off. Additionally, many other organizations throughout the country (religious, academic, civic, etc.
) take part in Juneteenth festivities and recognize the holiday.
Many other employers are taking steps to recognize Juneteenth without giving employees an official day off. These steps may include allowing flexible work days, encouraging employees to learn more about the history of Juneteenth, or allowing employees to use the day as a volunteer opportunity.
As Juneteenth becomes increasingly acknowledged throughout the nation, more and more companies are taking steps to honor the day and its significance.
Do all federal employees get Juneteenth off?
No, not all federal employees get Juneteenth off. While the White House has declared the day a holiday for all executive branch federal employees for 2021, at this time, only executive branch employees are guaranteed the day off.
Additionally, Juneteenth is not federally recognized as an official holiday, so it is up to each individual state, local government, and employer to designate it as an official holiday. Whether or not a Federal employee will receive the day off typically depends on the agency they work for.
Private employers may or may not provide the day off. Employees of those employers who do not recognize Juneteenth as a holiday will not have the day off.
Can I be forced to work on a federal holiday?
Yes, federal holidays are treated like normal business days in regards to wages and labor requirements. Depending on where you work, you may be expected to work on a federal holiday. However, if you have pre-scheduled time off or a contract that says you cannot work on a federal holiday, your employer must adhere to those expectations.
In addition, many employers may offer additional wages or time off in lieu of working a federal holiday or at least provide additional compensation. If you are unsure of your employer’s policies regarding federal holidays, it would be best to check with your personnel department or the person responsible for employee relations in your organization.
Is Monday June 20 a federal holiday?
No, Monday June 20 is not a federal holiday. The United States federal government does not recognize any holidays from June 2020, as the only federal holiday in the month is Independence Day on July 4.
Therefore, Monday, June 20, is viewed as any other normal day by the federal government and its employees. However, depending on where you live and your employment, you may be able to recognize different days as state or local holidays, or employers may set their own holidays.
For example, during June 2020, the states of Mississippi and Rhode Island recognize Confederate Memorial Day as a state holiday, while in Massachusetts, June 19 is Patriots’ Day, a state holiday that is observed but not recognized by the federal government.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth respectfully?
Juneteenth is an important day in American history that commemorates the day when the emancipation of slaves was finally declared in all the states of the US. Celebrating Juneteenth can be an important opportunity to acknowledge, understand, remember, and honor the struggle of African Americans for freedom and equality.
When celebrating Juneteenth, it is important to recognize its complex history, not as a day to simply “party” without an understanding of its true meaning. Here are some suggestions on how to celebrate Juneteenth respectfully:
1. Educate yourself and others about Juneteenth by reading and learning more about the history of African Americans, slavery, and emancipation.
2. Attend Juneteenth celebrations that feature talks and discussions on the history and legacy of Juneteenth, as well as performances featuring African American art, music, and culture.
3. Support businesses owned by African Americans in your community.
4. Show compassion and understanding for those who still struggle for basic rights and equality.
5. Encourage others to recognize the importance of Juneteenth and share the knowledge with those with less access to understanding of its history.
6. Lastly and most importantly, take the time to appreciate the long and arduous journey that African Americans have made to achieve freedom, and reflect on what more we can all do to create an equitable and just society.
What are Juneteenth colors?
Juneteenth colors are red, white, and blue. These colors were chosen to signify the freedom that African-Americans gained on June 19 after the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. Red signifies the blood that was shed for freedom, white signifies the justice and equality sought after, and blue signifies the national pride that African-Americans have held since.
The colors have come to become a symbol of freedom and a reminder of the struggle for African-American civil rights.
What is a typical Juneteenth celebration?
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated annually on June 19th, which commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to proclaim the freedom of enslaved African people in the United States.
It has become a day of celebration that is observed in the majority of U. S. states and is becoming increasingly recognized outside the United States.
The holiday is typically celebrated with a variety of activities, including educational activities to raise awareness about the war, secession and the celebration of African American culture and achievements, as well as traditional Juneteenth events such as parties, rodeos, parades and picnics.
People gather to enjoy music, dancing and storytelling, as well as barbecues and potluck meals with traditional Southern favorites, such as collard greens, cornbread and watermelon. Juneteenth is also celebrated by opening up a symbolic “Freedom Gate” and lighting a nearby bonfire for the emancipation of African Americans.
The holiday is a time of reflection and gratitude for the African American communities that have overcome tremendous struggles and made invaluable contributions to American culture, and serves as a reminder to all people of freedom, justice and equality.
Juneteenth is a time of celebration, of pride and joy in the successes won by African Americans throughout history, as well as a reminder of the need for continued progress on the path to true equality.
What food is eaten on Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated annually. The day is filled with festivities and traditional foods to honor the history of those that have endured.
The types of food served vary depending on the region where it is being celebrated. Common foods eaten at Juneteenth celebrations include barbecued meats such as brisket, ribs, pulled pork, hot links, and chicken.
In addition, many potato dishes are often served including macaroni and cheese and potato salad. Popular side dishes include collard greens, cornbread, baked beans, and black eyed peas. Sweets such as peach cobbler and banana pudding are among the dessert items typically served.
Non-alcoholic drinks, such as fruit punch, iced tea, or lemonade are often served as well.
Do you greet people for Juneteenth?
Yes, people often greet each other on Juneteenth to celebrate and recognize the day. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the day on June 19th, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all slaves were now free.
To celebrate and honor this important day, it’s important for all of us to acknowledge Juneteenth and its significance. Greeting one another and showing each other kindness and respect on this special day is the best way to pay homage to the struggles that the African-American community has faced throughout history and to recognize their hard-won freedom.
Is there a proper greeting for Juneteenth?
Yes, there is a proper greeting for Juneteenth, which celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Historically, African Americans greeted each other with the phrase “Juneteenth Freedom” or “Juneteenth Independence” to mark the occasion.
Today, there is an array of greetings to thank those who have experienced freedom or to honor the celebration. Examples of traditional greetings include “Happy Juneteenth,” “Juneteenth Blessings,” and “Celebrate Juneteenth.
” Alternately, some people choose to use a quote from a speech or poem related to the holiday, such as ”Let freedom ring from sea to shining sea” by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Is it polite to wish Happy Juneteenth?
Yes, it is polite to wish someone a Happy Juneteenth. Juneteenth is an American holiday that commemorates the day—June 19th, 1865—that enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed that they were now free, even though United States President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two and a half years prior.
Ever since, African Americans have recognized Juneteenth as a day of remembrance and celebration, so it is both appropriate and polite to wish someone a Happy Juneteenth. Everyone should celebrate this important anniversary in the struggle for the freedom of African Americans, and wishing someone a happy Juneteenth is a great way to show your support for this cause.
