Juneteenth holds profound significance in the history of freedom and equality for Black Americans. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston, Texas, finally declaring freedom for enslaved Americans held in the Confederacy–more than two years after the proclamation was issued in on January 1, 1863.
Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth across the US–predominantly in the south and southwestern regions –for over 150 years. However, awareness and recognition of its importance has only come into the mainstream since it was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
Juneteenth is a momentous occasion that marked the culmination of a long and arduous struggle for freedom and justice. It calls for celebration, but also provides an important opportunity to reflect on the experiences of Black Americans throughout history and the challenges they still face today. As we celebrated Juneteenth in the U.S., we honored the resilience, courage, and perseverance of those who fought for freedom and equality then, and of those who continue to fight for true equality and equity today.
Cloudera is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and belonging that empowers all employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work every day. One of the ways we did this was by providing opportunities for our employees to educate themselves on the experiences of their colleagues and community members.
This year, we encouraged our employees to come together to celebrate their shared humanity and reaffirm their commitment to building a more just and equitable world for all. We urged them to take the time to engage in celebrations and activities that expanded their awareness of the holiday, including by joining our Juneteenth History & Culture Jeo-Party, which took place on June 20th. The event featured a fast-paced and competitive game that celebrated and shared education on Black history and culture.
“A vital part of our culture at Cloudera is ensuring all voices are heard, and that we take the time to connect with others and understand the unique backgrounds that shape our lives. Our Juneteenth History & Culture Jeo-Party was an incredible success, filled with engaging dialogue and great insight into both Black history and the day-to-day experiences of our fellow colleagues.” – Dipto Chakravarty, Chief Product Officer
Interested in resources to learn about Juneteenth? We encourage you to watch this video from a previous Understanding Juneteenth event and review our Understanding Juneteenth Resource Guide.
For more on Cloudera’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, click here.
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