Celebrate Juneteenth: Embracing Freedom, Inclusion, and Equality with Cisco
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a recognition of our collective humanity. Let’s unite to honor the past, embrace the present, and create a future where every voice is acknowledged and every talent shines.
After another successful Cisco Live! event, I am inspired by the many discussions on the importance of inclusion and purposeful work that enhances business values. As Juneteenth approaches, I reflect on its significance and how it aligns with Cisco’s mission to foster an inclusive future for all, especially as we sponsor the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival for the third consecutive year.
Why We Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a key moment in African American history, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of a people who have long fought for freedom and equality.
Personally, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a reminder of our shared humanity. As Cisco's Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, I reflect on my father’s journey from the Bahamas to the United States in the 1940s with only a sixth-grade education. Despite facing racial segregation and limited opportunities, his unwavering work ethic and hope laid the foundation for my achievements and those of my siblings.
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and determination of my family and all those whose dreams were hindered or delayed. Though it has deep roots in African American history, Juneteenth’s values of freedom, resilience, and equality resonate universally. Recognizing it as a national celebration reinforces that freedom and justice are fundamental rights for everyone.
Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
As we celebrate Juneteenth, it’s essential to listen to and elevate the experiences of African Americans and other marginalized groups. We can do this by:
After another successful Cisco Live! event, I am inspired by the many discussions on the importance of inclusion and purposeful work that enhances business values. As Juneteenth approaches, I reflect on its significance and how it aligns with Cisco’s mission to foster an inclusive future for all, especially as we sponsor the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival for the third consecutive year.
Why We Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a key moment in African American history, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of a people who have long fought for freedom and equality.
Personally, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a reminder of our shared humanity. As Cisco's Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, I reflect on my father’s journey from the Bahamas to the United States in the 1940s with only a sixth-grade education. Despite facing racial segregation and limited opportunities, his unwavering work ethic and hope laid the foundation for my achievements and those of my siblings.
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and determination of my family and all those whose dreams were hindered or delayed. Though it has deep roots in African American history, Juneteenth’s values of freedom, resilience, and equality resonate universally. Recognizing it as a national celebration reinforces that freedom and justice are fundamental rights for everyone.
Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
As we celebrate Juneteenth, it’s essential to listen to and elevate the experiences of African Americans and other marginalized groups. We can do this by:
- Supporting Black-owned businesses.
- Investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, such as through Cisco’s partnerships with institutions like Clark Atlanta University.
- Seeking out and including the expertise of Black voices.
- Advocating for the career advancement of Black employees through initiatives like sponsorship and The Multiplier Effect.
A Call for Reflection and Action
Juneteenth urges us to be change agents in the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. This means committing to continuous learning and unlearning, recognizing our own biases, and actively working to dismantle them. Whether you’re attending the Cisco-sponsored Juneteenth Parade in Atlanta, participating in celebrations across the United States, or gathering with loved ones, I hope you’ll reflect on how you can drive change in your community. Let us remember daily that the fight for freedom and equality continues and requires the collective effort of all to uphold our shared humanity.
Wishing you a joyful and purposeful Juneteenth!
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