JD Finish Line’s Post

Transcript

Hi everyone. My name is Greg Merkerson and I am your Director of Cultural Integrity and People Equity. Today, I come to you to talk about a critical moment in our country's history. On June 19th, 1865, nearly nine decades after our nation's founding, in more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Americans in Galveston, TX finally received word that they were freed from *******. Today, in honor of this moment in history, in three years after it was declared a federal holiday in the United States, we continue to recognize the significance of Juneteenth. While Juneteenth has long been recognized and celebrated by the Black community. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged and welcome to celebrate the holiday together. In that spirit, today you will hear from some of our employees, including allies, who recognize the importance of standing together in unity for our country's second Independence Day. We encourage you to listen to their stories with an open heart and mind. June 10th. Pauls profound significance in reflecting of the value of freedom. It serves as a reminder of the liberty we often take for granted in the United States. While we enjoy the privilege of freedom, it's crucial to acknowledge and this all this struggle of the citizens in the countries where slavery still persists. Recognizing this disparity, we're reminded of all our responsibility to advocate for the rights of all individuals in this country. For the Freedom and Justice, but also worldwide, Juneteenth very symbolic to me it means freedom. On June 19th, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX and announced the end of slavery, effectively emancipating and remaining enslaved individuals, Black Americans in Texas. This momentous event became known as Juneteenth, a historical moment in American history. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. In the US, much to celebrate being an ally means the willingness to question my biases. I'm very blessed to have some amazing black women that have helped me along my journey to be a better ally. Proactively engaging in breaking down systemic barriers that prevent vulnerable people from receiving fair and equal treatment by the country's policy and systems and criminal legal institutions. Challenge, share, and educate others, and understanding the culture significance of Juneteenth. By educating ourselves, we honor the resilience, strength, and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, creating a workplace that values diversity. Amplify Black voices. We can create more inclusive narratives that celebrate the diversity of all voices. Take an interest in the Black community, support local communities, volunteer, learn or read about Black history, share your knowledge, but most importantly, show up and add your voice and support. Juneteenth is a symbolic day that represents liberation for me. It's a time to reflect and celebrate Black culture as well as my heritage. By being involved in the community, I'm still. Very conscious of our continued struggle and there is really still a lot to do, but I really want to concentrate on moving forward by supporting and uplifting the community. The first thing that comes to mind for me when I think about Juneteenth is that we're making progress. You know, just a few years ago when we launched our Community Voices platform, one of our first episodes focused on Juneteenth. And we pretty quickly realized we had to take some time to really educate and Dr. awareness for what the day meant, as a lot of people didn't understand what was going on. And honestly, a lot of people didn't celebrate it. Or maybe they thought it wasn't their occasion to celebrate. So as I stand here today and see the holiday recognized at the national level and see so many more people both understanding it, celebrating it not only for what it means for the Black community, but to all Americans. I see progress. But Juneteenth also represents an important time of reflection for me. The time not only to celebrate and remember, but also to take a look at what still needs to be done. Work. Every single day. The fight against racial injustice and inequality in in this country continues, and as an ally, it's our jobs to continue the conversation to fight for action. Action every single day. Action speaks louder than words, and that's something we can all remember on Juneteenth. For me, allyship is what we can accomplish with the support of others. As a member of the LGBTQ plus community, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the freedoms I currently have. Without the support of allies, and it's important for me to help support others also facing injustice. Juneteenth helps recognize and honor the significance of the freedom of the last 250,000 slaves in the US. While technically these slaves had been freed 2 years prior by the Emancipation Proclamation, they weren't actually living free. It took allies to truly ensure real freedom, and it's a lesson on what we can achieve together. I'm happy to be an ally to the Black community, and I'm proud to work at a company that is highlighting the importance of this day. So what June Team means to me? Is. You know, sisters, young age, I would say between six to seven, he was talking about in our household. But McKeon, understanding what that meant probably didn't happen. So I was like 10 years old. But you know, as you talk to your family, you had gatherings with his family, coming through food, all those different things. But one thing was important that we understood that our ancestors was free. Basically two years and no one ever told them. It's a great honor that the company is now right here at the finish line to recognizing this as well as a federal holiday. But also being able to take understanding to educate someone else that may not understand what it means, but I'm happy to be supportive of this is very important and it's great to see the company embracing it. Thank you, Oscar, Henry, Trina, Michael, Mandy, and Ronnie for sharing your thoughts and experiences. We appreciate. Parents from different members across our organization, highlighting the beauty of diversity in thought within opportunities like this, provide a critical platform for our team members to share their truths, creating an inclusive and safe workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We encourage all our employees to connect with their fellow JD Finish Line team members to continue conversations like this one, listen to one another, and make a difference. No matter the event, heritage, celebration, or other opportunity, our. Company provides because of the voices of you, our people. We know that together we are strong. Thank you.