A message from our CEO about Juneteenth

Juneteenth: pay your learning forward

Today is Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of legalized slavery in the United States that occurred on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln to legally abolish slavery.

Maybe you’re already familiar with this holiday, or perhaps you’re learning about this piece of history for the first time. Either way, I think we can all understand that Juneteenth takes on additional significance for all of us right now, and moving forward, I’m interested in ensuring that this moment in our American history is included in our company’s annual tradition.

Nicor Field Operations Supervisor Vicki Gueringer-Williams made a great post on FUEL earlier this week entitled “En Rapport Remembers and Celebrates Juneteenth.” I encourage you to check it out if you haven’t already. Thank you, Vicki, and the rest of the En Rapport ERG leaders and members for reminding us of the significance of Juneteenth.

There are many ways to observe Juneteenth: consider joining En Rapport—IL at their virtual general body meeting today at 12 p.m. CT, participate in one of the many virtual Juneteenth celebrations that are being offered by community and civic organizations around the country, or spend some time educating yourself about this piece of our history and reflecting on its significance. However you choose to recognize the day, pay your learning forward to someone else. Share what you learn with a colleague or a friend so we all can continue to grow in our understanding of one another.

Kim Greene

President and CEO