How to Celebrate Juneteenth at Work
You’ve probably seen the word “Juneteenth” pop up more and more over the past few years, and for good reason. June 19th marks a powerful moment in U.S. history: the day the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas were finally told they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.
Sometimes called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth is a celebration of liberation, resilience, and community. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been, honor the strength of those who came before, and recommit to building a more just future.
Whether you’re new to the holiday or looking for ways to recognize it more meaningfully at work, in your community, or with your team, this blog breaks down the history, the impact, and ideas for how to make Juneteenth count.
The History of Juneteenth
June 19th ushers in a notable part of American history: Juneteenth.
Also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth is considered the longest running holiday for Black individuals across the USA.
What is Juneteenth?
Considered the longest-running African-American holiday and America’s Second Independence Day, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people (of African descent) in the U.S.
This holiday was first celebrated by emancipated enslaved people in Texas on 19th June 1865, during the final days of the Civil War, nearly 3 years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved people free, was declared.
In 1862 however, Lincoln’s declaration had little effect on Texas residents, particularly Galveston County due to the limited number of Union troops to enforce the declaration. It took another two and half years for the U.S. Army to march into the county to announce and enforce this declaration on this day. The name “Juneteenth” comes from the date of the holiday, i.e. June, nineteenth.
“Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and a promise of a brighter morning to come. This is a day of profound weight and profound power. A day in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take—what I’ve long called “America’s original sin.”…By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day, and learn from our history, and celebrate progress, and grapple with the distance we’ve come but the distance we have to travel.”
While it was celebrated over 150 years ago, Juneteenth only became recognized as a federal holiday under President Joe Biden’s administration (under the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act) in 2021.
In earlier days, Black communities celebrated Juneteenth in communities were forced to celebrate Juneteenth on the outskirts of town due to Jim Crow Laws and racial discrimination. While these laws isolated Black people, they found close communities where they could celebrate without any safety threats.
In these communities, people collectively purchased lots where they would get together, known as Emancipation Parks, with some still existing to date. But, as time went by, Juneteenth lost its momentum only to regain it again in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement Era.
During this time, Juneteenth was celebrated with food and community, through parades, educational events, and cookouts. Many Black activists and communities as a whole also used this time to champion reforms and ongoing issues in the Black community.
Different states also had different laws set in place for Juneteenth
Before the 2021 federal act, several states had declared Juneteenth a Federal holiday. For instance, Juneteenth celebrations re-emerged in Texas in 1939, and the state declared it a paid holiday in 1980.
While several states followed suit in observing Juneteenth, no others declared it a paid holiday.
Virginia, New York, and New Jersey followed suit 4 decades later by declaring Juneteenth a paid holiday in 2020. The remaining states declared Juneteenth a paid holiday from 2021 through 2023.
💡DID YOU KNOW: Juneteenth is the first new federally recognized holiday in more than 3 decades! The last federal holiday was when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983.
Celebrating Juneteenth Today
Over the years, Juneteenth celebrations even helped to raise awareness on important issues, such as the political fight for reparations to descendants of enslaved people. Since the Civil Rights Era, Juneteenth celebrations have continued to grow in prominence and spread within Black communities and outside far beyond the South.
Celebrations vary in their goals, with some focusing on education, immersive experiences, festivals and food, and storytelling experiences across the USA.
Some celebrations taking place include:
Juneteenth Annual Community BBQ at DuSable Museum, Chicago
Annapolis Juneteenth Parade - June 21 at 11AM
Juneteenth and Beyond tour, Galveston, Texas
Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade - June 22
Who Gets Juneteenth Off?
As a federal holiday, most financial institutions, banks, the New York Stock Exchange, and all federal agencies will be closed. Some employers also often give workers the day off to observe the holiday as well. Private businesses such as retailers will be open during the holiday.
How Companies are Celebrating
Companies began to recognize Juneteenth starting in June 2021. According to a survey conducted by Mercer in 2021, out of 400 companies, only 9% had made Juneteenth a paid holiday. While there’s a long way to go, companies have shown an improvement in less than 5 years. Another 2023 survey by Mercer showed a more than triple jump in companies that offer paid Juneteenth holidays from only 9% in 2021 to 39% in 2023.
Companies like Nike, Lyft, Spotify, Target, Capital One, Adobe, and JPMorgan began observing Juneteenth in 2020 before the Federal Law was passed. Over 800 companies followed suit immediately after the passing of the law in 2021.
In 2020, the Ford Motor Company observed Juneteenth by encouraging moments of Silence on June 19th across its U.S. and Europe locations. The company also hosted a virtual presentation and dialogue with Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, a member of the admired Tuskegee Airmen combat group. Employees could also access a documentary of the Tuskegee airmen through the company’s internal website.
During the first year of their Juneteenth celebration in 2020, J.C. Penney made June 19th a paid holiday for all its employees (while hourly associates received holiday pay).
Meanwhile, while providing a paid holiday to all U.S. employees, Spotify celebrated Juneteenth by releasing its flagship playlist, “New Music Friday”, exclusively featuring Black artists, available to listeners.
Supporting Employees During Juneteenth
➡️ Learn, Listen, Reflect
Don’t just check a box—take time to understand the why behind Juneteenth. Lean into resources and expert voices that share the deep history, personal stories, and cultural significance of the day. Make learning part of the celebration, not an afterthought.
➡️ Don’t Fall Into the Commercialization Trap
We’ve all seen it: companies getting dragged for selling Juneteenth-themed ice cream or merch. Resist the urge to commercialize. With awareness still growing, it’s especially important to focus on authenticity—not optics.
➡️ Don’t Put the Burden on Black Employees
Juneteenth shouldn’t become a teaching assignment for your Black colleagues. If your company is committed to equity, then take the initiative to educate your team without making anyone relive trauma or carry the emotional labor.
➡️ Respect Lived Experiences
Avoid dismissing, debating, or minimizing others’ experiences. Whether in a team meeting or casual conversation, show up with humility. Honor the stories and emotions that come with this history.
➡️ Make It Count—Tangible Ways to Show Support
Offer a paid day off (or holiday pay for essential/hourly workers).
Support ERGs by giving them real resources, leadership backing, and paid time for their efforts.
Invest in Black talent: from mentorship programs for young Black professionals to intentional recruitment at HBCUs, access and advancement matter.
5 Ideas for Celebrating Juneteenth at Work
Planning Juneteenth celebrations doesn't come easy for all HR professionals or organizational leaders. We have done the homework for you!
✅ #1 - Invite a Speaker
Bring a speaker with lived experience to offer an authentic and meaningful way to observe Juneteenth. Whether through a Lunch and Learn or a more casual conversation, consider local professors, civil rights advocates, or community leaders to share insights and spark dialogue.
✅ #2 - Volunteer or Participate in Community Events
Activist Opal Lee, often called the Grandmother of Juneteenth, emphasized that Juneteenth is also a day of service. Employers can:
Invite employees to vote on local Black-led charities to support.
Volunteer or donate to Black-led youth and women’s centers.
Show up at local Juneteenth celebrations as a team.
Co-host or sponsor community events where feasible, centering Black community input.
✅ #3 - Organize a Book Club
Host a book or media club focused on Black history, Juneteenth, or racial justice. Keep it informal, optional, and open to all. Not every selection needs to be heavy—series like Abbott Elementary can open up engaging conversations, too.
Starter picks:
Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi & Keisha N. Blain
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
✅ #4 - Have a Red, Green, and Black Day
Celebrate with a themed day inspired by Pan-African colors. Ensure that participation is mandatory, though having leadership on board or additional celebrations would encourage further participation.
✅ #5 - Add Online Activities
Juneteenth celebrations shouldn’t leave remote workers out. Consider:
Virtual panels or webinars
Virtual exhibits or concerts
Trivia or guided discussion rooms
Final Thoughts: Juneteenth Celebrations Matter
Celebrating Juneteenth is more than just acknowledging a historic date, it’s an active step toward recognizing the resilience, resistance, and courage that have defined Black history and continue to shape the present.
By making Juneteenth celebrations a consistent part of your workplace culture, you're not only honoring the past, but also affirming your commitment to a more equitable future. Annual observances send a clear message that Black experiences and contributions are valued, seen, and celebrated. They foster togetherness, deepen understanding, and help build a workplace where Black employees feel a true sense of belonging, dignity, and recognition. And not just on Juneteenth, but all year round.
