How would you feel if you discovered today that you had been free for over a year, but no one had told you? This unimaginable scenario was a reality for many enslaved individuals in the United States before Juneteenth.
Wong Fleming commemorates Juneteenth, celebrated each year on June 19th. This significant day marks the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the United States. Although the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation had declared the end of slavery for Confederate states on January 1, 1863, many enslavers intentionally held this information from their slaves and refused to follow it. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 that Major General Gordon Granger arrived with a force of soldiers in Galveston, Texas, delivering General Order No. 3, which proclaimed the end of the civil war and freedom of all enslaved individuals in Texas. This freed more than 250,000 people, granting them the option to depart or remain and be regarded as employed laborers. The newly freed population of Texas marked this significant milestone, establishing Juneteenth as an annual celebration. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Throughout the United States, Juneteenth is celebrated by holding local community events, parades, parties, and festivities.
Wong Fleming is committed to observing Juneteenth as a day of celebration and reflection and has made Juneteenth a firm-wide holiday. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that values the unique perspectives and experiences of all individuals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, gender, or background. We are fully committed to sustained engagement in helping end racial and economic inequity in our city, community, and industry.
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Great job! Love seeing my Cx team out there representing!