At Quigley-Simpson, we’re proud of our agency culture, built on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s one of our core strengths that brings a broad range of talents, perspectives, and solutions to the work we do. In keeping with these priorities, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth as an important milestone in our nation’s history—and in the lives of Black Americans.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19,1865, that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. The day’s name is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth” in honor of that date.
What Juneteenth means to us:
“Juneteenth is a complicated, multifaceted holiday. It is a day to acknowledge the horrors of slavery and the strides that still need to be made, but it also serves as a reminder that we must celebrate the strength of our people and steps forward. For me, Juneteenth is a day to reflect upon the sacrifices of those that came before me and to renew my commitment to the work still ahead.”
—Rose Bush
“As the ‘Day of Liberation,’ it is a reminder of who we are as a people and all that we have been through. We remember the past, and we commemorate this pivotal moment in American history. It is a day to celebrate Black freedom, the culture and heritage for future generations—to never forget that we have absolute equality of personal rights and property. Juneteenth is also bringing awareness to all who are unaware of this part of American history and to bring attention to the current issues and injustices that are still being faced.”
—Robin Gray
“Juneteenth is important to me as a Black woman, because it celebrates something that’s much bigger than just me. It celebrates culture. Resilience. Freedom. Juneteenth acknowledges the centuries of suffering that generations before me went through so that I could be standing and living as I do today. It also highlights inequalities and how we, as a country, still have so much more work to do. Juneteenth is a day that always makes me take a step back to recognize and appreciate that there’s so much power and pride in being Black. A large part of who I am is because of where I come from. And that deserves praise. On Juneteenth, and every other day.”
—Tanicha Rosemé
“When I think of Juneteenth, I think of freedom and hope. Freedom in the original meaning of the day itself and hope in that we are finally getting to a place where all people in this country are treated equally and respectfully as human beings, regardless of race, religion, or belief.”
—Erin Brown
However you choose to observe this day, Quigley-Simpson encourages everyone to take time to acknowledge this momentous and historical milestone.
