Juneteenth

Freedom Day: A Time to Celebrate and Learn

Juneteenth, the oldest national celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, was again recognized by Holland & Knight again this year, being observed as a firmwide holiday on Friday, June 18.

Its origins date back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved persons were free. The ensuing celebrations evolved into the tradition known as Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day.

“Juneteenth is an important celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the legacies of slavery,” said Diversity Partner Tiffani Lee (MIA). “The holiday continues to grow in significance as the country continues to grapple with issues of racial justice and systemic racism.”

In addition, Holland & Knight’s Black Affinity Group sponsored “Juneteenth: Its History and Modern-Day Significance,” an internal webinar that highlighted the origins and traditions of Juneteenth as well as its significance in U.S. history. During the webinar, Partner and Black Affinity Group Chair Loren Forrest (NYC) facilitated the June 15 discussion with Dr. Matthew Delmont, the Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Professor of History at Dartmouth College and an expert on African American history and the history of civil rights.

JUNETEENTH IN JACKSONVILLE: SERVING AT SUMMER CAMP

Holland & Knight Partner Frank Morreale, Senior Counsel Daniel Mahfood and Office Manager Michelle Borandi (all JAX) volunteered at the Juneteenth Summer Camp at the downtown Jacksonville campus of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation.

In addition, the Jacksonville office – through its Diversity and Inclusion Committee and local Public and Charitable Services budget – made a cash donation to the foundation to help offset some expenses of the June 18 program. Frank is a board member of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, which was founded nearly 25 years ago by the former professional tennis player.

The summer camp was open to K-8 students and featured a variety of activities and themes, including: • African jewelry-making and history – to learn about Africa’s resources and its people • African dance class and mask-making – to learn about culture through storytelling, dance, song and rhythms • an outdoor obstacle course – to understand the fight for freedom through the Civil

War and Underground Railroad • spoken word and poetry – to learn about historical civil rights leaders who presented through literature, from Maya Angelou to Dr. Martin Luther King • soul food barbecue – to celebrate freedom with food and fun

Partner Frank Morreale helps a camper with her mask.