Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19 each year, is an important holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Ballad Health recognizes Juneteenth as a day to celebrate freedom, honor the resilience of African Americans and reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.
How did Juneteenth become a holiday?
The United States celebrates American independence on the Fourth of July, the date the Declaration of Independence was ratified in 1776. But that did not create freedom for all Americans – particularly the millions of Black Americans who were enslaved for almost another century.
It wasn’t until 1863 that the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, declaring all people held as slaves “within the rebellious states,” or the Confederacy, to be free. And even then, not all slaves were actually free. Many slaveowners simply took their slaves and fled farther west to Texas to avoid compliance, and by 1865, there were more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas who were not aware of the proclamation and their legal rights to freedom.
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced the proclamation, finally bringing freedom to the remaining enslaved people. That is the day we recognize as Juneteenth.
Ballad Health values freedom and equality
This is a good time to reflect on what it means to live in communities that value individual rights, freedom of speech and equality.
Ballad Health is dedicated to creating a culture of respect and inclusiveness in our healthcare community. We strive to promote an environment where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
As an organization, we are proud to celebrate Juneteenth as a step in the direction of liberty for all.
Check out this exhibit
The Fischman Gallery in downtown Johnson City is featuring the “Say it LOUD!” exhibit this month, in collaboration with UMOJA of Johnson City, to celebrate Juneteenth. The exhibit showcases artwork and crafts by local and regional members of the African American community of Northeast Tennessee. Featured work includes paintings and drawings, photographs, quilts, baskets, multimedia works and two special quilts made by children in afterschool programs at Langston Centre and Carver Recreation Center.
The gallery is located at 133 N. Commerce St., across from the King Commons park. Visit www.facebook.com/FischmanGallery for more information.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee
The Ballad Health DEI committee comprises team members from across Ballad Health who volunteer – outside of their normal work duties – to serve on the team. The committee is divided into three subcommittees:
- Religion, Race, Age and Culture (RRAC) Team – Dedicated to issues involving race, religion, age and culture
- Healthcare Equality (HCE) Team – Focusing on respectful healthcare for all, including LGBTQ+ issues
- Interpreter/Communications Services – Dedicated to eliminating communication and language barriers
If you’d like to know more about Ballad Health’s DEI committee, or if you are interested in getting involved, please visit our site on the Ballad Health intranet, or call 423-302-1573.
