Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani recognizes Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, when many of the last enslaved African-Americans learned from Union soldiers that they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
This date has taken on even more significance over the past few years in light of a number of events that remind us that racial equality has not been fully achieved and that there is still much to be accomplished. And while there is seemingly more awareness around these critical issues, racism still very much exists and is too often expressed violently against minority communities. While in 2021, Congress recognized Juneteenth as a holiday based on its historical importance, this date also serves as a reminder of our need to continue working toward meaningful and lasting racial equality.
We hope that we, individually and collectively, celebrate Juneteenth as a day of reflection and service and that we must all be active participants in this effort. We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity and how our collective differences strengthen us as a firm and society. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the fundamental principles of equality, inclusion, and justice and encourage participation in local or regional Juneteenth activities to deepen understanding of this pivotal moment in history.