Juneteenth commemorates the declared end of legal enslavement of Black Americans in 1865. It is also a powerful celebration of African American culture, which began with the arrival of enslaved Africans hundreds of years earlier.

One year ago, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris signed a law to make Juneteenth a Federal holiday. In February of 2022, the last of the fifty States joined the District of Columbia in declaring Juneteenth an official holiday. New York is among only eighteen who have made Juneteenth a permanent paid holiday for state employees.

With June 19 falling on a Sunday in 2022, government and many private sector employers are recognizing the holiday on Monday, June 20. Healthcare provider organizations are modifying operations to celebrate Juneteenth and offering floating holidays to those care providers needed to ensure uninterrupted care for patients.

HLNY encourages our members to reflect on the progress our nation has made to recover from the systemic results of American slavery. We acknowledge the work we must continue to do together to overcome persistent structural racism and pledge.

As healthcare leaders, read to build your awareness of the continuing implications of this history on public health: 

Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation by Linda Villarosa

The American College of Healthcare Executives reflections on Juneteenth by Jonathan W. Leonard

Through our diverse partner groups, such as the New York Region NAHSE Chapter, we are continually learning, listening and growing in order to reach this goal. Head here for full details on NAHSE’s ongoing mission and programs: https://lnkd.in/dhJ9CqX.

#juneteenth #diversity #inclusion #community #equality #bettertogether