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40 Ways For How To Celebrate Juneteenth Ideas For Work

Looking for a comprehensive list of Juneteenth ideas for work? Here are 40 educational and appropriate ideas to celebrate the holiday.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It originated on June 19, 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the civil war had ended and slavery was abolished, over two years after the emancipation proclamation was signed.

Juneteenth has come to represent a celebration of freedom, and it’s an opportunity for us to remember and honor the history of our country.

Why should we acknowledge Juneteenth at work?

The workplace is a great setting to host educational events that can focus on mental health, education, and team-building. We’re all stronger together.

First, Juneteenth is an important part of our history and culture. By recognizing Juneteenth in the workplace we can show our commitment to honoring the legacy of black history in this country.

Second, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come as a society and identify areas where we can continue to make progress.

Honoring Juneteenth is an important step a company can make when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

juneteenth ideas for work

40 Ideas For How To Celebrate Juneteenth at Work

1. Provide employees with additional paid time off on June 19th to recognize the day as a paid holiday.

Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021 by President Joe Biden. Some states and companies give employees the day off while others don’t.

This depends where you live and work but making it a holiday or a floating holiday for your company shows a level of respect for their history of our country.

2. Host a book club.

You can hold a book club with employees focusing on books about black history or stories related to Juneteenth.

This deepens knowledge and understanding as well as creating discussion around the day.

If you held special events for black history month, continue those with the honor of Juneteenth. Do not make the mistake of only making these efforts around these holidays, though. Ally-ship does not take a break.

3. Host a virtual or in-person event on Juneteenth that includes music, art, and storytelling.

This is a way to celebrate the day and honor the legacy of freedom that Juneteenth represents. The true end of slavery began with this freedom day and it should be recognized and celebrated.

You can also use it as an opportunity to raise funds for local organizations working on social justice issues or charities that help people in need.

4. Support Black-owned businesses by offering discounts, giveaways, or special services.

Showing support for Black-owned businesses is a great way to honor Juneteenth. You can do this by taking the time to research and recognize local businesses in your community.

You can offer discounts or services specifically on Juneteenth, or you can hold events throughout the year that feature Black-owned business owners or products.

This is the perfect opportunity to show your support. Make sure you do this in a way that promotes and honors the other company, not your own.

5. Organize a company-wide volunteer event in your community.

Volunteering is a great way to show solidarity and support for those in need. Consider organizing a company-wide volunteer event on Juneteenth or during the week leading up to it.

This will give your employees an opportunity to give back to their community while also recognizing the importance of Juneteenth. Plus, it’s a great team-building activity that will bring everyone together.

6. Provide employees with educational materials about the holiday.

You can provide educational materials to your employees so that they can further their understanding of Juneteenth and its importance.

As an idea, you could create a list of books, articles, or podcasts related to the holiday. You could also offer diversity and inclusion training sessions focused on exploring what Juneteenth means today.

By taking the time to educate yourself and your employees about Juneteenth, you’re showing that the holiday is important to you and your organization.

7. Create an employee resource group focused on Juneteenth education, mentorship and networking.

Creating an employee resource group to focus on Juneteenth education, mentorship and networking would be a great way to develop an understanding of the holiday within your company.

This could include monthly meetings, a guest speaker, book clubs, and more. Have catering from black-owned restaurants to show your commitment. One of the best ways to show support is through purchasing initiatives.

8. Participate in local Juneteenth parades or other public events that celebrate Juneteenth.

If possible, your company can participate in local Juneteenth parades or other public events. This would be a great way to show your support for the holiday and help raise awareness about its importance.

Join in already placed local events with your team members for Juneteenth celebrations!

9. Invite a local Juneteenth expert to speak with your company on the day.

Inviting a local Juneteenth expert to speak with your company on the day of Juneteenth is a great way to honor the holiday and learn more about its significance.

This could be someone from the community, an activist or advocate, or anyone who has knowledge and experience related to the holiday.

10. Listen to an audiobook by an African-American author about Juneteenth.

An audiobook by a black author about Juneteenth is a great way to celebrate the holiday. It’s a more relaxing and enjoyable way to learn more about the history and importance of Juneteenth while also providing an opportunity for employees to bond over shared experiences.

You can source out some popular audiobooks related to Juneteenth and provide them to your employees as a way of honoring the holiday.

By taking the time to recognize Juneteenth in these meaningful ways, you’re showing that you care about celebrating this important day and honoring its legacy. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for Black culture and history and foster an inclusive work environment.

11. Watch a Juneteenth film.

Another great way to celebrate Juneteenth is by watching a movie or documentary about the holiday. This could be anything from a biopic about an iconic Black leader to an educational film about the history of Juneteenth.

You can organize a screening at work, either in-person or virtually, and invite employees to join in.

12. Collaborate on research about Juneteenth.

Encourage your employees to collaborate on research about Juneteenth. You can set up a project team and assign them tasks related to understanding the history of Juneteenth, exploring its relevance today, and examining ways in which it can be further celebrated.

This would be a great way to deepen everyone’s knowledge of the holiday while also fostering collaboration and team-building.

13. Take time as an organization to reflect on what Juneteenth means in the current social and political climate.

Taking some time as an organization to reflect on what Juneteenth means in the current social and political climate is a great way to encourage a deeper understanding of the holiday.

You can organize a meeting or workshop where everyone can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to Juneteenth.

Racial injustice still occurs in American and having open discussions is an excellent way to keep this in the forefront as seek racial equality.

14. Sponsor an education program in your community to teach people about Juneteenth.

Another meaningful way to celebrate Juneteenth is by sponsoring an education program in your community. This could be a workshop, lecture series, or even summer camp focused on teaching people about the history and relevance of Juneteenth today.

Sponsoring such a program would show your commitment to honoring the holiday and inspiring future generations to learn more about it.

15. Hold a Juneteenth potluck or BBQ.

You can celebrate Juneteenth by holding a potluck or BBQ at your workplace. This would be a great way to bring everyone together and enjoy some delicious food in honor of the holiday!

You could even invite local community members to join in the festivities to celebrate the meaning of the day while also honoring its history.

16. Create a company-wide challenge that encourages everyone to explore and celebrate the meaning of Juneteenth.

You can create a company-wide challenge that encourages employees to explore and celebrate the meaning of Juneteenth. This could be something like creating artwork or writing essays about the holiday, or any other ideas you may have.

The challenge should be fun and engaging, but also educational. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and excited about the holiday.

Photo by Derek Lamar on Unsplash

17. Take action to support Black-owned businesses in your community on Juneteenth.

Show your commitment to celebrating Juneteenth by taking action to support Black-owned businesses in your community. This could be anything from ordering lunch for a group of employees from a Black-owned restaurant, to making a commitment to do so throughout the year.

18. Use your company’s blog or newsletter to celebrate and educate people about the holiday.

Use your company’s blog or newsletter to celebrate and educate people about Juneteenth. This is a great way to share information about the holiday with your employees and customers, while also fostering an inclusive work environment.

You could feature articles about its history, interviews with Black leaders, or suggestions for ways in which people can further celebrate the holiday.

19. Host a virtual or in-person discussion about Juneteenth and its importance today.

Hosting a virtual or in-person discussion about Juneteenth and its importance today is another great way to honor the holiday and further understanding of it.

Invite experts from your community to lead the conversation and ask attendees to share their own perspectives on the matter. This is a great way to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can learn about the holiday and its importance.

20. Provide resources that employees can use to further explore Juneteenth and its history.

Provide your employees with resources they can use to further explore Juneteenth and its history. This could include books by black authors, articles, or videos that they can access in order to gain deeper knowledge about the holiday.

These resources are a great way to ensure that everyone has access to information about Juneteenth and can celebrate it accordingly.

21. Discuss diversity initiatives.

In addition to discussing the history and importance of Juneteenth, you can use this day as an opportunity to discuss diversity initiatives at your organization.

Talk about ways in which everyone can work together to create a more inclusive environment, where everyone’s unique perspectives and experiences are celebrated.

These conversations will help foster an open and accepting culture in which everyone feels valued and respected.

22. Purchase company gifts from black-owned business to celebrate Juneteenth.

As a gesture of solidarity, you can purchase company gifts from Black-owned businesses to celebrate Juneteenth. This simple act shows your commitment to recognizing and acknowledging the holiday.

You could even donate proceeds to an organization that’s working towards advancing equality in honor of the holiday.

23. Encourage employees to take time off on Juneteenth to observe the holiday.

Encourage your employees to take time off on Juneteenth in order to observe the holiday. This is a great way to show that you value their culture and want them to have the opportunity to celebrate this important day.

You could offer flexible scheduling or even give everyone an additional day of vacation to observe the holiday.

24. Create a Juneteenth-themed mural or art installation at your office.

Create a Juneteenth-themed mural or art installation in your office as another way to show your commitment to celebrating the holiday. You could even ask employees and customers to contribute their own artwork in honor of the day.

This is a great way to foster creativity and create a physical reminder of your commitment to recognizing the holiday.

25. Donate to organizations or charities that are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion.

Donating to organizations or charities that are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion is another great way to celebrate Juneteenth. This shows your commitment to advancing equality and creating a more equitable society.

You could even ask employees to share their favorite organizations so that you can ensure everyone’s voice is heard when it comes to selecting which organization to donate to.

26. Sponsor an essay contest.

Sponsor an essay contest for students in your community to write about Juneteenth and its importance today. This is a great way to get the younger generation involved and engaged with the holiday and create awareness of it among a new audience.

You could also offer prizes, such as scholarships or gift cards, to reward winners for their creative work.

27. Host Juneteenth trivia.

Host a Juneteenth trivia night as another fun way to celebrate the holiday. Ask employees or customers questions about the history of Juneteenth and provide small prizes for those who answer correctly.

This is a great way to create some friendly competition and learn more about the holiday together.

28. Create a virtual Juneteenth celebration.

If your team or organization is unable to physically come together to celebrate Juneteenth, create a virtual event instead. You can use video conferencing software or social media platforms to host a panel discussion about the history of the holiday and its importance today.

You can also invite special guests, such as local activists or historians, to participate and share their perspectives.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

29. Attend or host a Juneteenth parade.

Attend or even host your own Juneteenth parade as a way to recognize and celebrate the holiday in an uplifting way. You could even use this opportunity to showcase local talent, such as musicians, dancers, poets, and more.

A Juneteenth event is a great way to bring people together and show that you are committed to recognizing the holiday in an impactful way.

30. Organize a Juneteenth fundraiser.

Organize a Juneteenth fundraiser as another way to recognize and celebrate the holiday. You could use this opportunity to donate proceeds to an organization that works to promote equality and justice.

You could also use this opportunity to bring people together for a fun event, such as a picnic or cookout, while raising money for an important cause.

This is a great way to show your commitment to advancing equality in honor of the holiday.

31. Listen to a podcast about Juneteenth.

Listen to a podcast about Juneteenth as another way to learn more about the history of the holiday and its importance today. There are several podcasts available that dive into the history of the holiday in an interesting and informative way.

This is a great way to have meaningful conversations with your colleagues, friends, or family members about why it is important to recognize this holiday.

32. Don’t buy Juneteenth-themed merchandise from big corporations.

When it comes to celebrating Juneteenth, avoid buying merchandise from big corporations. Instead, try to support small businesses and Black-owned organizations that create their own Juneteenth-themed merchandise.

This is a great way to promote small businesses while still honoring the importance of the holiday. Plus, you can feel good about knowing your money is going to a worthy cause.

33. Be thoughtful and don’t perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

When celebrating Juneteenth, make sure to be respectful and thoughtful of the holiday. Avoid perpetuating any harmful stereotypes about African American communities by being mindful of your words and actions.

This is a great opportunity to be mindful of how you are speaking about the holiday and its importance in order to create an environment that is inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

34. Share your knowledge of Juneteenth with others.

When celebrating Juneteenth, don’t forget to share your newfound knowledge with those around you. You can use this as an opportunity to educate friends, family members, and colleagues about the history and importance of the holiday.

You could even create a presentation or a blog post about the holiday and its significance for everyone to read.

This is a great way to spread awareness and create meaningful conversations around the holiday.

35. Learn about how Juneteenth became a holiday and the history of slavery.

Take some time to learn about how Juneteenth became a holiday and the history of slavery. This is an important step in understanding why this day is so important and how it has shaped our society today.

You can do research online or look for books on the subject to learn more. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to recognize and celebrate the holiday with respect and appreciation.

This is a great way to show your commitment to honoring Juneteenth in an informed and meaningful way.

36. Take a tour of The National Museum of African American History & Culture.

If you are able to, take a tour of The National Museum of African American History & Culture as another way to learn about Juneteenth and honor the holiday. The museum is full of amazing exhibits that explore the history and culture of African Americans in a respectful and interesting way.

37. Brainstorm ways to show more support year-round as an ally.

Take some time to brainstorm ways you can show more support year-round as an ally. Juneteenth is a great opportunity to start conversations and spread awareness, but it’s also important to make sure that allies are supporting the African American community all year round.

This is a great way to show your dedication to creating an inclusive society and standing in solidarity with the black community.

38. Learn about Opal Lee.

Take some time to learn about Opal Lee, a Texas school teacher who started the National Juneteenth Holiday campaign in 1980.

She is an amazing role model that highlights the importance of standing up for what you believe in and striving to create positive change.

Learning more about her story can be a great source of inspiration for everyone this Juneteenth.

39. Give back to the black community in your own way.

Finally, make sure to give back to the African American community in some way as another way to honor Juneteenth. This can be done through volunteering at a local organization, donating to charities that support Black-owned businesses, or simply having thoughtful

40. Don’t put employees on the spot.

When celebrating Juneteenth in the workplace, make sure to not put your employees on the spot. It is important to respect everyone’s comfort level and let them decide if they wish to participate in any of the activities or discussion.

Find ways to create an inclusive environment through conversations that are respectful and open-minded. This will ensure all employees feel welcomed and appreciated.

Having conversations about Juneteenth should be done with respect and understanding, as this is a significant part of the African American experience. Taking these steps will make sure that everyone can celebrate in a meaningful and respectful way.

In Summary: Juneteenth Ideas For Work

These are just some of the ways your company can celebrate Juneteenth. By creating an inclusive environment that honors and celebrates diversity, we can make progress towards a better future for everyone.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Juneteenth, it’s important to remember the history of this day and recognize the significance it has in our society. By taking the time to honor Juneteenth at work, we can ensure that this important part of our history is not forgotten.

We hope that these ideas help to make Juneteenth a memorable and meaningful day for your company. Let’s come together to recognize the importance of this holiday and continue to work towards creating an equitable society.