Celebrating Juneteenth

Today, we value and recognize Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in 1865. Not only is Juneteenth a day of celebration, but it is a day of acknowledging the racism, trauma, and inhumane treatment Black Americans faced during and since slavery.

World Education and JSI take a firm stand against racism and have committed to making tangible, measurable changes toward racial equity and inclusion. Over the past two years, we have committed to becoming a more forthrightly anti-racist organization and embarked on internal processes to ensure that all staff understand the deep history of racism in this country and how systemic racism affects people’s lives today. In fact, many of the education problems that we strive to mitigate in our work are a direct result of the lack of equity in education and career opportunities in this country.

Juneteenth celebrates emancipation in the United States. It marks a milestone on the path toward a more equitable society and, as President Obama once said, a chance to “celebrate the enduring promise of our country: that all of us are created equal.” As such, it is an important day for all of us to acknowledge—and to recommit to ending the insidious racism that persists 157 years later.

Through Juneteenth we recognize our country’s history and celebrate Black culture. We have encouraged our staff to spend time on Sunday, June 19, and the official holiday on Monday, June 20, to honor this historical day and affirm our commitment to our own antiracism journey.