Celebrating and Observing Juneteenth 2024
All Enterprise Bank branches and offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. 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 holiday is a time to reflect on America’s history and on the systemic racial injustice that still afflicts our society today. It reminds us that the pursuits of freedom and racial equity have always been hard-fought and ongoing battles.
Juneteenth is also a time to appreciate and 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. Some upcoming local events include:
- Juneteenth, Chelmsford Town Common, 22 June 2024
- Juneteenth Celebration 2024 - Black Heritage Trail NH
- Juneteenth New England
By actively engaging in these conversations and activities, we can deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to equality.
Other ideas for commemorating Juneteenth include:
- 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).
- Support Black artists.
- Read books, watch TV shows and movies, and find opportunities to discuss content written and created by Black authors and poets with the intention of gaining a broader perspective on Black history, ongoing contemporary issues, and culture.
- Visit an African American museum or exhibit dedicated to Black culture.
- Donate to organizations or charities committed to fighting for the Black community.
If we have left out any local Juneteenth events, please feel free to contact us via email. We would love to grow this listing as a resource for all those interested in supporting local events.
Wishing you all a reflective and meaningful Juneteenth.
WORDS FOR THE JOURNEY
"Freedom, freedom, freedom for everybody! I don't want people to think that celebrating freedom via Juneteenth it's just about a Black holiday or just a Texas holiday. It's about knowing that we all have a stake in making this the best country in the world. It all hinges on each of us having the freedom to do whatever is necessary to get there."
– Opal Lee, Grandmother of Juneteenth