Juneteenth Draft
In early education, the history of slavery is often introduced beginning in 1619, when the first African slave ship arrived in Virginia. This brutal practice persisted until President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate states. However, due to the ongoing Civil War, the last enslaved individuals in Texas were not freed until June 19, 1865, a date now celebrated as "Juneteenth."
Juneteenth holds profound significance in African-American culture and history. Despite its importance, national recognition for Juneteenth was long overdue. In 2021, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives approved a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, which was then signed into law by President Biden.
Winterfeldt IP Group is honored to celebrate Juneteenth. Our commitment to commemorating this vital day began in 2020, a year before it gained national holiday status. We chose to close our firm on Juneteenth, and we are pleased to see that this sentiment has been echoed by the federal government and many others across the country.
Yet, there remains significant work to be done to achieve true equality and justice in our nation. Systemic racism still affects many aspects of life, and our Black fellow citizens face considerable challenges in income, wealth accumulation, and overall social equity. This issue is exacerbated by disproportionate law enforcement practices and harsher judicial penalties. We must strive for better, both as a society and as individuals.
At Winterfeldt IP Group, we stand in solidarity with our Black team members, clients, industry colleagues, and community members. We are committed to fostering an environment where recent incremental advancements transform into lasting, meaningful change. By cultivating anti-racist attitudes, challenging discriminatory behaviors and microaggressions, and amplifying minority voices, we can make a significant impact by the next Juneteenth celebration.
Wishing each of you a day filled with joy and thoughtful reflection.
