Remembering Juneteenth: What We Are Honoring

Though the Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for all Black Americans on January 1, 1863, it took several years for individuals across the country to receive this news. It wasn’t until Major General Gordon Granger visited on June 19, 1865, that Black people in Galveston, Texas, discovered the Civil War — and slavery — had come to an end.

June 19, or Juneteenth, is a time to honor and commemorate this important event and come together in a continued commitment to advance freedom, justice and human rights for all. It’s also a moment to reflect on our commitment to equity in our workplace and industry, so everyone has an opportunity to succeed.

What Our People Are Honoring

Juneteenth is an opportunity to understand how history has shaped us and how we can work together to forge a future that is transformational. In honor of the freedoms Juneteenth represents, McKinstry Unity Alliance members shared reflections on what this day means to them:

Estrees Marshall, Accounts Receivable Supervisor and Unity Alliance National Vice Chair

Juneteenth reminds me that freedom, opportunity, and progress are part of my legacy. I’m grateful for those who came before me and hopeful for the future my children are helping create.

Stephen Walter, Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety and Unity Alliance Executive Sponsor

Juneteenth holds deep personal meaning for me because it represents real, hard-won hope that we are continuing the journey toward equality. I think of my grandparents and parents, who endured discrimination yet chose compassion, respect and empathy, and I carry their legacy in how I lead, how I treat others, and the future I believe we can build together.

Alea Rashid, Business Operations Specialist

Juneteenth is a deep-seated reminder to me and my family of resilience and the importance of celebrating freedom, community and culture. My grandparents migrated from the deep South to the Pacific Northwest so that future generations could realize the promise of this nation and celebrate the sacrifices of our ancestors. … As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “If the cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. Because the goal of America is freedom, abused and scorned tho’ we may be, our destiny is tied up with America’s destiny.”

Sylvester Ceasar, Senior Project Manager, Energy

This is not a day that was created especially for Black people. This is a day for everyone to celebrate the emancipation of our people, just as we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We have this day to celebrate the day that our nation was truly freed, so that EVERYONE could know what it meant to be independent and free in this nation we call home.

Honoring Juneteenth can take many forms, like taking time to learn about the day’s history and legacy, celebrating a barrier broken through, reflecting on the progress we’ve made toward a more equitable society, and sharing how we can work together to make a difference for the future.

What We’re Honoring

Across our industry, there is still significant ground to cover on equity, especially for women and people of color. Through McKinstry’s Action for Impact 2030 plan, we remain focused on taking concrete steps forward to remove barriers that hold our industry back. In honor of Juneteenth, we’re also recognizing what has been accomplished so far, including our:

• Expanded Alliance program, including the Unity Alliance, which does vital work building community and shaping our culture from the inside out. Our Alliances are voluntary communities that bring people together to build connections, grow as professionals and shape a more inclusive workplace. McKinstry’s Unity Alliance empowers professionals of color to belong, grow and thrive through building community, supporting advancement and serving others.
• New, custom mentorship program that ensures employees from the Alliance communities have pathways for growth.
• Student outreach programs, like the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, where students explore careers in the trades (and a chance to gain direct entry into local unions).

We’ll keep building on this work, together shaping our industry into a space where everyone can grow, belong, and thrive.

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