Celebrating and Observing Juneteenth 2023
Enterprise Bank will observe Juneteenth by closing all branches and offices on Monday, June 19. Designated as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and symbolizes the resilience, strength, and determination of Black communities throughout history. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, Union soldiers finally arrived in Galveston, TX, delivering the news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved individuals were free.
The observance of Juneteenth is an opportunity for reflection, education, and action. It is a time to acknowledge the contributions made by African Americans to our society, culture, and economy and to learn from the past, engage in meaningful conversations, and work towards a more equitable future for all.
At Enterprise Bank, we believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We recognize that progress is an ongoing journey, and we continuously strive to improve our policies, practices, and operations to ensure that every person feels heard, welcomed, and supported. As we strive to promote equality and stand against all forms of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate Juneteenth.
To mark this day, we encourage you to take part in Juneteenth events within the community. By actively engaging in these conversations and activities, we can deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to equality.
While there are many ways to commemorate this holiday, here is a list of ideas to get you started:
- Learn the full history of Juneteenth. A combination of “June” and “Nineteenth,” it is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. Learn more about the history at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Explore Boston’s Black Heritage Trail. A 1.6 mile walking tour that explores the history of Boston’s 19th century African American community: Black Heritage Trail - Boston
- Support Black-owned businesses in our community. Here is one helpful resource to get you started: Black and Brown Owned Business Directory Merrimack Valley Black & Brown Voices (mvbbvoices.org).
- Visit an African American museum or exhibit dedicated to Black culture, such as the nearby Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire: Events Archive - Black Heritage Trail NH.
- Donate to organizations or charities committed to fighting for the Black community.
You can also explore the local organizations below for information about resources and events, including Juneteenth observances. If we have left out any Juneteenth events, please feel free to connect with us via email. We would love to grow this listing as a resource for all those interested in supporting local events:
New Hampshire:
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, Howard Gospel Choir Concert - Portsmouth, NH: https://blackheritagetrainh.wufoo.com/forms/k1bj1att1kc4gju/
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, Reggae Festival, Strawbery Banke Museum - Portsmouth, NH: https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/reggae-festival/
Massachusetts:
5th Annual Juneteenth Block Party - Lowell, MA: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=6715581798472905&set=pcb.6715582865139465
Andover Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Town of Andover and Andover Baptist Church - Andover, MA: