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 Pageant for the third yr in a row.
Why we rejoice Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also referred to 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 People in Galveston, Texas, had been knowledgeable of their freedom. At the present time 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 might be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how my father’s journey contributed to creating me who I’m at this time. He immigrated to the USA 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 tough realities of racial segregation and stereotypes. Regardless of having restricted alternatives, his religion, pleasure, and hope had been boundless. The muse of onerous work and willpower he instilled in my brothers and me performed an amazing position in all that I’ve achieved to this point.
This vacation serves as a time to rejoice the energy, resilience and willpower of my circle of relatives 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 aren’t unique to anyone group however are inherent rights for all.
Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
As we rejoice Juneteenth, it’s essential to hearken to and elevate the tales and experiences of African People and different marginalized teams.
We will 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.
- Searching for out the experience of Black voices who’re lacking from the desk.
- Advocating for the profession development of Black staff via 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 USA or gathering with your loved ones and mates, I hope you’ll discover time to mirror on methods that you may champion change in your neighborhood. Might we floor ourselves on the every day reminder that the combat for freedom and equality is ongoing and requires the collective effort of all folks to embrace and honor our shared humanity.
Wishing you a cheerful Juneteenth! Might it’s crammed with pleasure and function!
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