Guardant Health’s Post

Maybe two years ago while sitting at a rooftop in North Hills, a close friend with a different skintone than me looked around, and whispered in my ear, “North Hills is getting pretty dark, isn’t it?” I was confused. “Yeah the sun is going down, I guess it’s getting late.” He motioned with his eyes, and I realized maybe 50% of the classy rooftop guests had similar skintones to my own. I laughed it off, but it was the first insight I got into how (some) white people, being 60% of the nation’s population, oftentimes don’t feel comfortable in spaces with patrons of darker complexions. In 1865, people in Texas heard the news for the first time that they no longer had to be shackled. Today, Texas has the largest black population, but only at 14% compared to the 12% national average. During slavery, men, women, and children were chained, beaten, starved, and suffered horrible assaults and living conditions. They worked every day under the imprisonment of other families. The average slaved lived to only 21 years old, while the average white person lived twice as long to 40+ years old. Slaverly still continued illegally for a while after 1865. It was not that long ago. Slavery didn’t really end hundreds of years ago. It continued mentally. It is still relevant to how black and brown people whose ancestors were enslaved go about navigating this country. This affects our health, education, standard of living, job search, home-buying and overall income earning potential. There’s also the quiet and insidious bias others may have towards black men and women they don’t even recognize. If you observe this holiday, take inventory of your circle. How often do you interact with and celebrate black and brown men and women for their accomplishments? Do you acknowledge how challenging overcoming slavery must be, even today? Do you make an effort to learn more about cultures different than your own? Do you get uncomfortable if a black person drives a nice car, is at a nice restaurant, or moves into your neighborhood? Do you recognize that if a black American has achieved a high level of success, it may have been much harder to achieve based on our countries recent history of slavery? Today, assess your bias. Learn about your family’s history and the history of your friends. Maybe ask them how you can be a better friend surrounding the topic of race. Ignoring that these things are real and vastly affected Americans is hugely problematic- we must do better as a society and unified country. Black and brown people are resilient, forgiving, loving, intelligent, capable, innovative, and deserving of safe spaces to work, live, grow our families, and thrive! I hope that as time goes on, the small number of 14% of black people in this country grows, as we shed the limiting beliefs historically forced on us, and pursue better resources, education, and jobs.

Happy #Juneteenth, fellow #SocialWorkers! Let’s celebrate freedom, honor resilience, and renew our commitment to justice and equity for all. Together, we can make a difference. The CNN article has more information on the holiday's history and the flag. https://lnkd.in/g7KXtXBp

¡happy 4th of July along with knowing that life is too complex and too complicated due to the Democrats who are almost as awful as the Libertarians especially the Republicans who according to their verifiable and verified history the the Republicans are number 1 in being selfish greedy evil corrupt human beings since 1850 with the Democrats since 1824 with the Libertarians since 1971 are tied for 2nd place in what seems to be their aims in being awful selfish greedy evil corrupt human beings as the Republicans since the days of Richard Milhous Nixon and Ronald Wilson Reagan followed by George Herbert Walker Bush with His son George Walker Bush and even more the more awful selfish greedy evil corrupt Donald John Trump Senior or DJT or D.J.T. or The Donald with 99.999 PerCent of the Republicans that the Libertarians with the Democrats trying to emulate! | - > #integrity #credibility #ethics #ethos #vett #scrutinize #verify #disprove #challenge #question #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomOfExpression #Democrats #Republicans #Libertarians | - > 5:53 am Pacific DayLight Savings Time on Thursday, 4 July 2024 leap year | - > end of line

Today, we honor Juneteenth and the enduring journey toward freedom and equality. Learn more about the meaning behind this day at Juneteenth.com.

".. At the Booker Spicely Symposium, we will examine circumstances surrounding his killing, the environment which existed during those days, the treatment of African Americans in the military since that time and the ongoing discrimination which they have experienced and continue to experience. During this symposium, we will bring together historians, legal scholars, veterans, civil rights activist, students and community members to explore the racial ills and harms caused as a result of the “Jim Crow” era treatment of African Americans. We intend to speak to the resilience and heroism of those African Americans who faced down racism while serving in the military, and upon their return, had to fight to acknowledge their freedom and rights at home and what can be done today to address the trauma, discrimination and neglect which they experienced. (source: excerpts from NCCU School of Law).."

Today we celebrate the observance of Juneteenth, a day that marks a pivotal moment in American history. On this day, June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.   Despite the Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1st, 1863, many areas of the South still actively held slaves and it wasn’t until the official defeat of Robert E. Lee that many were informed of their new rights. Two and a half years later they were finally freed.   The historical significance of Juneteenth lies in its symbolization of freedom and the end of slavery in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the long and arduous struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of racial equality and was only recently established as a national holiday by President Biden in 2021.   We hope you take this day to celebrate and remember and to grow in your journey of cultural awareness and understanding.   Digital Sales Diversity and Inclusion Team #dsdiversityandinclusion #juneteenth

Today we commemorate a significant moment in American history: when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This lag in implementation underscores the inherent challenges in the struggle for liberty, making Juneteenth not just a day of celebration but also a reminder of the tireless pursuit of equality and justice. As we celebrate African American resilience and culture, we reflect on the ongoing fight for racial equity and the importance of combating systemic racism. #Juneteenth #ColliersREMSUS

On this day 246 years ago, the Second Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act stating: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." From Betsy Ross's legendary creation to the 50 stars on the flag today representing each state in our nation, Old Glory has become an enduring symbol of American ideals - liberty, democracy, and the never-ending pursuit of justice and equality for all. While the flag has gone through redesigns over the centuries as new states joined, its core meaning has remained constant - representing the indomitable American spirit of courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. On Flag Day, we honor the powerful ideals embedded in those stars and stripes. We celebrate the hard-fought journey of progress to continually push America to live up to its founding promise of liberty and justice for all. So fly your flags high today and every day. For the flag is a living symbol, calling on us all to protect and uphold the values that have illuminated America's path for nearly 250 years. #FlagDay #FlagDayUSA #OldGlory #AmericanFlag #Patriotism #Liberty #Democracy #Equality #Lee

☮️ Peace, in the words of Jimmy Carter, is “the unfailing effort to secure human rights.” All right thinking people want to live in peace, and want that for others. Watch my recent contribution to a debate on peace, and how we might best achieve it:

Today, we at World Business Chicago honor Juneteenth National Independence Day - commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On this day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas, formally announcing freedom to the last enslaved people, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. One hundred and fifty-nine years ago, newly freed individuals faced an uncertain future, yet embraced the chance to pursue better lives for themselves, their families, and future generations. Today, we carry forward that same hope as we strive for a more just and equitable society, acknowledging the persistent challenges ahead. Systemic racism and white supremacy remain deeply rooted in our institutions, and we must continue to protect voting rights and counter laws that disproportionately affect Black communities. Additionally, we must advocate for expanded access to affordable health care and defend our hard-won freedoms against those seeking to undermine them. #Juneteenth #CelebrateFreedom