Deciding how to celebrate Juneteenth at work doesn’t need to be challenging, but it should be taken seriously. It’s more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward racial equality in the U.S.
In this article, we’ll explore the powerful reasons we celebrate Juneteenth as a nation and different ways to celebrate Juneteenth at work.
What is Juneteenth?
When you’re trying to decide how to celebrate Juneteenth at work, it’s essential to understand the holiday. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated annually on June 19th.
It is on this holiday that we remember and commemorate a pivotal moment in American history: the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their emancipation, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
The critical moment of liberation occurred when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery—a full two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
This delay highlights the brutal realities of slavery and the systemic resistance to African American freedom.
The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black communities since the 1800s. In recent years, widespread protests and activism regarding equality and the rights of Black Americans in the U.S. have sparked a renewed interest in acknowledging Juneteenth.
In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday. This means that it’s also an official state holiday for all 50 states—state and federal employees receive the day off with pay.
As such, the importance of celebrating Juneteenth at work has also been emphasized and recognized across the country more and more each year. Many private employers also provide employees with paid time off work.
How America Celebrates Juneteenth
Juneteenth has been celebrated annually across the country since the 1800s by Black communities. Historically, many families would come together and pray on this special day, and some would even make a pilgrimage back to Galveston, Texas.
Today, families and communities still come together to share food and remember Juneteenth, but celebrations have expanded in several parts of the country.
Some cities like Atlanta and Washington D.C. hold parades and festivals to remember the important date, and others host pageants and picnics.
Why Celebrating Juneteenth at Work Matters
Recognizing Juneteenth in the workplace goes beyond a simple commemoration. It offers an opportunity to:
- Acknowledge the very real history of slavery and its lasting impacts in the U.S.
- Celebrate African American resilience and contributions to our nation.
- Foster a more inclusive, educated, and understanding company culture.
- Educate team members about a critical piece of American history.
How To Celebrate Juneteenth at Work
As you plan how to celebrate Juneteenth at work, invite all employees to participate in the planning and commemoration of this important holiday.
Encourage those who wish to share their perspectives, particularly those with a personal or cultural connection to Juneteenth, to help shape the celebration.
There are plenty of Juneteenth activities for work that you can include to celebrate this historic day. Here’s a short list of some great Juneteenth ideas for work.
Educational Juneteenth Activities
Unfortunately, many people don’t celebrate Juneteenth because they don’t understand the full history behind it. A great way to honor the day is by educating your employees on the origin and importance of Juneteenth.
Here are some options for educational Juneteenth activities:
- Discussions and presentations: Invite speakers or host panel discussions with historians, community leaders, or employees who can share insights about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
- Recommended reading: Provide a list of recommended books and articles related to Juneteenth and African American history. Then, consider hosting a discussion group or book club meeting to talk about these reading materials.
Cultural Juneteenth Celebrations
African American culture should be celebrated year-round, but Juneteenth is a great time to highlight its vibrancy and depth.
You can do this in a number of ways if you’re trying to decide how to celebrate Juneteenth at work. For example:
- Highlight artwork: Display artwork from Black artists in common areas, feature it in newsletters, or highlight it virtually. You might also consider contacting local Black artists and offering to display some of the pieces they have for sale in your office.
- Host performances: Devote the entire holiday to a lively Juneteenth celebration by hosting performances by local musicians, dancers, poets, or other artists who celebrate African American culture.
Community Engagement
This day is a great opportunity to give back to the Black community through volunteering, donations, and corporate social responsibility.
Businesses can coordinate community service projects that support African American communities or racial justice initiatives, or collaborate with local nonprofits, cultural centers, or historical societies to support Juneteenth events and activities.
Not sure where to start? Our team can facilitate your charity event and work with an African American charity of your choice to donate funds or goods. Take a look at our charity programs, and our team will help you find a local charity to partner with.
Acknowledgment and Celebration
If you’re not sure how to celebrate Juneteenth at work, you might just want to keep it simple by acknowledging Juneteenth as a company holiday or a day of observance and giving your employees the day off.
This lets everyone participate in celebrations and reflections alongside family and friends or in any way that is meaningful to them.
The morning of this day, you might also send out an email with messages from leadership recognizing Juneteenth and its significance, complete with a section to highlight employee stories and experiences related to the holiday.
Inclusivity Team Building Events
Just as Juneteenth signifies the official end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of equality, team building events bring people together, regardless of race or background, to collaborate, communicate, and build lasting connections.
By celebrating our differences and promoting understanding, we create a stronger, more cohesive team that reflects the spirit of inclusivity and unity championed by Juneteenth.
For example, if Juneteenth games suit your workplace better, consider a game show or trivia event in the office. If you’re doing this DIY, ensure some of the categories focus on Juneteenth, contributions of Black Americans, and other relevant topics.
You could also bring us in to boost productivity and foster a culture of unity and respect among team members with Juneteenth-themed trivia! In this virtual celebration, we spotlight the diverse history and contributions of African American arts and artisans.
Your team will explore visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary arts, and other forms of cultural expression—all of which have played a paramount role in shaping African American culture and its impact.
Moving Beyond a Single Day
Remember, Juneteenth isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. As your workplace celebrates this holiday, make it part of a company-wide commitment to things like:
- An ongoing emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and creating a psychologically safe workplace
- Creating environments designed to honor and support the beauty and value of diversity
- Ensuring your company culture includes continuous learning and growth at all levels of the organization
- Addressing systemic inequalities and taking active stances against them whenever possible
Get Your Juneteenth Activities Started!
Juneteenth marks a day of hope for the African American community in the U.S. It is an opportunity to honor history, promote understanding, and take meaningful steps toward a more just and equitable workplace and world.
It’s essential for companies and coworkers to engage in an open dialogue and process what this day means for Americans.
Deciding how to celebrate Juneteenth at work can be as easy as giving employees the day off in recognition of the holiday or hosting activities that encourage deep listening, empathy, and inclusion.
Our crew at TeamBonding is happy to help plan, customize, and facilitate your workplace Juneteenth celebrations and activities. Get in touch with us today to start planning your Juneteenth activities.
