Celebrating Juneteenth: Reflections from our Black@Roku Team

At Roku , we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued. In honor of Juneteenth, we celebrate the contributions and perspectives of our Black@Roku (B@R) ERG. Our dedicated team members play a vital role in advancing our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Here’s what Juneteenth and involvement in DEI efforts mean to some of our B@R team members. 

Amanda Lutton | Lead Recruiter, Early Career 

Amanda shares her thoughts on the importance of DEI initiatives and the impact she hopes to make through her involvement. 

“When I first joined Roku, the DEI initiatives that were in place were all about incorporating as many diverse sets of experiences as possible into the work we do. It is evident that there is much work to be done in this area, both in our country and around the world. If I could make any change by being a member of the B@R committee, it would be a dollop of change towards this effort. My goal is to create a safe space for my Black and Brown brothers and sisters and to make sure folks who join as allies feel included and can lean in and learn about the magic of Black history. We can’t and don’t control much, but giving people exposure and the ability to be part of this conversation is a wonderful start."   

Emmanuel Midy | Manager, Account Management 

Emmanuel echoes Amanda's sentiments and emphasizes the importance of recognizing our achievements within Roku.

"I was inspired to join the B@R committee because it allows me to emphasize the importance of our achievements. I am grateful to our DEI team for fostering such an inclusive environment." 

Mac Parker | Creative Ad Solution Specialist 

Building on the importance of inclusivity and recognition, Mac reflects on how the sense of community within B@R has influenced her journey at Roku. 

“Since the start of my time at Roku, the committee's past work and events really demonstrated B@R leaders' sense of community and helped me feel more at home. I wanted to be part of the process of coming up with and executing inclusive, informative, and engaging opportunities for others to participate in in the future. To me, Juneteenth is a day of both reflection on the past and present, and looking ahead to the future. We reflect on the wins achieved, often through sacrifice, to make life more equitable and free for African Americans. It’s also a time to think about the work that still needs to be done to achieve a true sense of freedom, and more importantly, how we as individuals can contribute to it right now.” 

Marguerite "Mimi" Zeigler | Client Services Manager 

Finally, Mimi, Chair of B@R, underscores the deeper historical significance of Juneteenth and the vital role of DEI initiatives in creating a more inclusive workplace at Roku.   

“I was inspired to be the chair of B@R and become involved in DEI efforts at Roku for several reasons. I believe it is vital to create not just safe spaces for diverse communities at work, but also facilitate opportunities for growth and learning about diversity and the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our society. As we think about upcoming notable holidays, Juneteenth holds significant importance in Black history, symbolizing true freedom for enslaved people. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation, many remained enslaved while the news slowly spread throughout the Confederate states, making Juneteenth a more meaningful representation of freedom than the Fourth of July or the Emancipation Proclamation itself. The recent recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a crucial step in acknowledging and embracing the entirety of American history, including its darker chapters that often go untold. Much of Black history is marginalized or omitted from mainstream education, so being part of efforts to educate others about this history is deeply meaningful to me. By celebrating Juneteenth and engaging in DEI initiatives, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding workplace that reflects the diversity of our nation.”