Learn About Juneteenth
June 4, 2021
A celebration of freedom
This month, President Biden signed legislation into law establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. This federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. President Biden said, “This will go down as one of the greatest honors of my presidency.”
A brief history
This day has been celebrated by African-Americans since the late 1800s. The date was actually June 19, 1865, when Union General, Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to tell those who were slaves that they were free. The Civil War was over. This announcement came about two months after Confederate General, Robert E. Lee, surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia. Did you know that Juneteenth, is a blending of the words June and nineteenth.
What happens on this date?
Freedom, education and achievement are all part of this reflective holiday. The goal of remembering this important date in history is to encourage people of all races, nationalities and religions to think about self-improvement and make positive plans for the future. As one person said, “Juneteenth celebrates freedom and achievement. It’s also a way for people everywhere to honor those who did not have such freedoms.”
Lasting Improvements
Many people and companies are paying close attention to this holiday due to the recent nationwide unrest over brutality in America among blacks and other minorities. A lot of corporations are encouraging their employees to learn more about diversity ideals and to encourage a more diverse employee population when hiring. TVFCU is proud of its efforts of promoting diversity among its members and employees. TVFCU was one of the first financial institutions in Tennessee to add a vice president of diversity in 2017. Each month, all TVFCU employees are encouraged to take part in a special Inclusion Council conversation that deals with everything from bias in the workplace to creating a culture that is truly welcoming. TVFCU’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Dionne Jenkins, is always out in our community leading discussions on creating a more cohesive company culture that builds tolerance and acceptance.