From its beginning, Clovers set out with one mission: to empower hiring teams to make smarter, data-based decisions. We wanted to reduce bias in hiring and, in turn, help organizations build more inclusive teams.
And because we know that diverse workspaces see more innovation, success, and happiness, we celebrate diversity year-round.
With that in mind, we will take the time to observe Juneteenth thoughtfully.
How will you be marking the day? Keep reading for a few ideas.
Midway through the Civil War, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued The Emancipation Proclamation. His decree legally freed enslaved people living outside of the Union.
Juneteenth celebrates the day this news reached Texas, the westernmost Confederate territory. On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston and declared the enslaved people of the state free. More than 250,000 people were liberated from slavery that day.
The following year, in 1866, was the first official Juneteenth celebration. The people of Texas celebrated with prayer meetings, songs, and family gatherings. In the years after that, African Americans in nearby states began celebrating too.
In 1980, Juneteenth became a Texan state holiday. In 2021, it became an official federal holiday.
Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Black Independence Day.
Juneteenth is an opportunity to seriously reflect on slavery and the impact it still has on generations of people. Juneteenth is also a reminder to continue learning about the ongoing effects of racism. Thoughtful observance of Juneteenth is a chance to consider how we might support the ongoing work of Black liberation.
At the same time, Juneteenth is a day to uplift and honor Black people. When we pause to observe Juneteenth, we reflect on the ways they contribute to our communities, our workplaces, our country, and our culture. We should look at Juneteenth as an opportunity to celebrate Black success and joy.
This year, take some time to celebrate Juneteenth by learning something new, doing something new, or taking on a bit of both.
Take Juneteenth as a chance to learn more about Black history and the Black experience in the United States.
Take some time to learn from shows, films, or documentaries. Some good places to start:
Harvard University compiled a reading list for those looking to learn about racial justice, equity, and anti-racism. Here are a few to look into:
If you’d rather listen than read, there are some great podcasts worth checking out. Start here:
Looking for more and ready for some travel? Here’s a list of museums worth checking out:
Engage with Black-influenced art, food, and business this weekend.
Celebrate Black contributions to art and culture by enjoying poetry, movies, or TV shows that center Black artists.
Going out? Support Black-owned businesses along the way.
Try Googling “Juneteenth celebrations near me” or check out this list of places to celebrate, published by the U.S. News & World Report. Here are a few of their top suggestions:
Consider donating to organizations that work for racial justice and equity. The Better Business Bureau published a list of accredited charities, and we’ve got a few more options too:
The fight for racial justice in our country is ongoing. This means efforts to include and uplift Black people do not stop after Juneteenth.
Continue to support Black artists, learn Black history, and support Black-owned businesses. Have an open dialogue with friends and family about how we can all support more inclusive communities.
If you can, become a regular donor to organizations that help people impacted by racism and racist systems. And always stay open to learning more.
It’s just as important to foster justice and inclusion in our workplaces. Invite Black thought-leaders to speak, engage in ongoing education, and ensure fair, unbiased hiring practices are in place.
Invest in DEIB efforts whenever possible, and continue to make your workplace a space where Black colleagues feel safe and are set up for success.
At Clovers, we believe in the importance of diversity in the workplace. And we want to help others foster healthy, diverse workplaces too. With redacted resumes, structured interviews, and increased accountability around hiring, our users can make data-driven decisions—and see a significant increase in diverse representation.
We know there’s still a long way to go, but we’re glad to be headed in the right direction. Read more about what we’re doing if you’d like to come along. And in the meantime, we hope you enjoy a relaxing and uplifting Juneteenth!
Scot is a successful HR technology entrepreneur and advocate for conscious inclusion. Passionate about helping others succeed, he’s committed to improving the hiring process for employers and job-seekers every step of the way.