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<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lise Grato<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Executive Director<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Albany Downtown Association<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">126 Ferry Street SW<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Albany, OR 97321<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.albanydowntown.com/"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.albanydowntown.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">W: (541) 928-2469<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">C: (541) 905-2908<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Corvallis Chamber of Commerce <info@chambercoalition.ccsend.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Corvallis Chamber of Commerce<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, June 17, 2022 3:13 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Lise Grato <director@albanydowntown.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> How Your Organization Can Recognize Juneteenth<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt:.75pt"><span style="font-size:1.0pt">June 19th<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<h1 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">How Your Organization Can Recognize Juneteenth</span><span style="font-size:36.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#042E5F"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoZ3v-fOP7gWuoVnkne4rgPXto-CdL7cmIoE0vLNfPpV94bxIT79hcgiy2505YpqniATjE_PrlWJUaaBjKT8sRIvTKpxejzBeANy4mrroKVudV_8QlF5yYY06siRL-fjEZ1pS62Wjm0YNmYM8XTNyWaQ==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow=="><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="600" height="338" style="width:6.25in;height:3.5166in" id="_x0000_i1029" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/6b776897001/24c29260-b132-4642-8af2-6b43ca9b6ed5.jpg?rdr=true"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">to read the original article, and for credit, and links, click the image above</span></b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">This year, many U.S. organizations are formally acknowledging Juneteenth, or June 19, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when the last group
of enslaved Black Americans were freed by Union troops. When celebrating, the authors recommend taking four steps to make it a diversity, equity, and inclusion-enhancing experience for your organization. Make it personal by engaging in frank team discussions
about what you do and do not know about the Black experience. Expand the message by linking the holiday to broader DEI goals. Enhance the meaning by encouraging employees to engage with Black history. Finally, honor intersectionality by taking into account
the multiple identities that most people encompass and emphasizing that extending empathy to certain marginalized groups helps create more inclusion for everyone.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:white"><img border="0" width="5" height="1" style="width:.05in;height:.0083in" id="_x0000_i1028" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif"></span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Juneteenth is not just Black history, it is American history. Over the past year, in the wake of countrywide Black Lives Matter protests,
many U.S. organizations have taken to acknowledging Juneteenth, or June 19, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when the last group of enslaved Black Americans were freed by Union troops. Some have offered a paid company holiday for all employees; others, an
extra floating holiday to use on Juneteenth or another day, an event to celebrate Juneteenth with Black ERG groups, or learning sessions for all staff.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">For DEI scholars and practitioners, it’s heartening to see this recognition and high energy around a historic moment previously only recognized
by those in the minority. However, many Black and other POC employees are rightfully asking, why now? We believe companies can approach Juneteenth in a way that significantly enhances their diversity, equity, and inclusion work. This anniversary is a tangible
opportunity to amplify understanding of the unique experience of Black Americans and serve as a catalyst for conversations about intersectionality.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h2 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:27.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">History of Juneteenth</span><span style="font-size:27.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#042E5F"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">First, let’s clarify the </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGotolIkNzSvpP-UgVeBVMnjNwYq6oU4GjwJxSke-zgjysv-zlhH_RyXpDabvhDHvl0nZ7T-gph6aICg_XyDi7-ksdNTfI0H9X3UH9BhQ1B-eH2h1PFbVlByA==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">history</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">.
Although President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery in the Confederacy in 1863, many southerners sought to evade the executive order by moving enslaved people to Texas, the most Western of the slaveholding states. However, Union
troops pursued them, arriving in Galveston in the summer of 1865 and finally freeing more than 250,000 Black Americans. Enslaved people were then formally emancipated and slavery officially abolished by the 13th Amendment in December 1865.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day”, is sometimes referred to as America’s actual Independence Day, since July 4, 1776 symbolizes liberty
and justice for only some Americans, not all. This sentiment is deftly captured in Frederick Douglass’ </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoPHx6lWA6c68AskN7rHXgwcSn7tUbMK2PuiqKd_kq0Hri6WLe87IJQf1tpKhVguMX3npo7rA1jaUKVyg_tX7ufDjoOvmBsfhaBbG2XY8JApyOM9b15b-3NQ==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">1852
speech “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,”</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> in which he wrote, “This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.”</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Of course, the fight for equity and justice for Black Americans continues to wage on even today. And that’s why it’s so important that organizations
have begun to recognize June 19 as another pivotal date in U.S. history.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">In June of 2021, Congress passed legislation to establish </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGodofD-sQmZ3rkZzK-5AKGBY44ovapmYut0gJkKnZJoVgCdsWzWfanUUuljAhiaBgL4M3pbwr2cxu3GADHSOCuxI7vaUJFv4b4TgFuDPlDzlFxsWueWnLUY39iYq8zH0xPN7oZPSKDi7iAeMJdjE9Vy6-dvYakd3Odid6LuKjZLjkHHTZvGbpWSmzRdCk06SIO&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">Juneteenth
National Independence Day</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> as a U.S. federal holiday, and every state but South Dakota recognizes it as a state or ceremonial holiday. In our recent U.S. workforce
survey, just 41% of American workers knew about Juneteenth prior to 2020; the racial reckoning of last year pushed that percentage to 71% as of May 2021. For Black Americans, the shift was from 67% to 93%. (Awareness of the </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGosS9w8ECw5l350VQnRWWC9VsrwNTeML5PFvNxMgwWwgLxleeiDSOidwkClY6Q7AKODBKuC9ILLsrLmDHIrYarr1jbwM1UtHXpPrqzD3JxAMXMJUSDjH61tx4kMWDthS8m0HMxsVaoVGYi7htW5Ds1Fp0GD78-JxeTxgrZ4874X_Uz6AgG-3jVDA==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">destruction
of Black Wall Street during the 1921 Tulsa Massacre</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> has also increased dramatically since its 100th anniversary this past May.)</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Make no mistake, this is progress. For two centuries, our educational systems greatly neglected the Black American experience. A </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoPIoUO9UU9RgsHzYMMSZm0WPyEcUrmZHah-ygkOE7rKFNnJhDoGfZcsCz3NHVxHUfPIpd84_juQ-KxDFAhkSBshndmiaHaK66P3K3CI8sk0booomdCeMqgwPoJLv8Etc4Jw6LvUA7xFzndegMSx4eAA==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">2015
study</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> by the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Oberg Research revealed that U.S. history teachers spend only 8 to 9% of lesson time
on Black history, and </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoKZPeT9zCiCJ1_WilWkwruwQl1NjLmvGc5Tg7_a0eqVRbf_FbjA5wofdnzTqu_jhkvR56GISfNblOj5ajJmqdaUDPGVPfZ9YSTIfvA-Hgx8w6DhDRnjmz3R9weH8aWPG4hBBuraVBbVjJspdjrlalkPpqnGRKWrOr49xlE_6jnE8=&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">research
suggests</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> that what is taught centers on the trauma of slavery, the struggles of the Civil Rights movement, and mass incarceration, instead of more positive features
like the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Migration, and the myriad achievements and contributions of the Black community. As Black women raised in North Carolina and Alabama respectively, we both grew up hearing about Juneteenth from our family and social circles,
but it was never mentioned in our classes nor celebrated as a holiday. While many school districts are working to present a more accurate, representative, and robust account of U.S. history now – recognizing June 19 and the Tulsa Race Massacre, as well as
acknowledging systemic racism — their efforts are often met with resistance, as evidenced by recent heated debates over the teaching of </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGo754JswycugX1R2YXf1165MLLcQ7WJ1ogDBsGSWsFDaJViPoFlrsB2UWiN34-zAyuzVob6LxkSRA4gCwDMf4uppYtcep7_Cp36gNqr9Cva1eHfmx1ZSkKOGk0Aov7_6LRyMGouV-vi59Lg8zOvAyeTsKkxWsLU9u7_pW95rP7IfhiPUQQcNmzmnjnuMbMk7soSucOkiMfgJrTcSBsdmFV4l_FXqewFFsmjzC66SyQ_3LBifaNkAuzos1WLz8kKK7lxj7HDoUczTQ=&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">critical
race theory (CRT)</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">That’s why it’s so important for employers to acknowledge and honor Juneteenth and other cultural holidays celebrated by those not in the
majority.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h2 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:27.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Organizational Opportunity</span><span style="font-size:27.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#042E5F"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">When celebrating Juneteenth this year and going forward, we recommend taking four steps to make it a DEI-enhancing experience for your organization.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">1. Make it personal. </span><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#042E5F"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Many of us have spent the last year hearing advice on how to educate yourself about DEI topics such as racial injustice in the workplace.
While this is a foundational step that everyone should take, it’s time to move beyond general awareness to personal action. Leaders should reflect and share how their personal and family histories, experiences, values, and identities connect to these events.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">For example, if you are just understanding the importance of Juneteenth, take it as an opportunity to be vulnerable and share what you’ve
learned with your group. Then go a step further by inviting conversation with your teams. You might be surprised how much employees engage, either relieved they aren’t the only ones who hadn’t previously recognized the holiday or eager to share the knowledge
they do have.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">2. Expand the message.</span><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#042E5F"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom, but also one of opportunity, equity and access. That must not be lost. According to Coqual
(formerly the Center for Talent Innovation), Black professionals occupy </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGo2Ymxc891wLzx7AD75U8mNEyWjCXJ5gBarDOk_57TXZ0Km6sa6l63pImXyBhWpiahrsaoDURnX1Fz8rFmEkPxiaof9qYpx8g7YSk6BVuwdeaeoxZSnuj7zuJgz-T8M8nmd-zJSS1FdXs8spAaXur7PLX7rLXkHskP&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">just
3.2% of senior leadership roles</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> at large U.S. companies and just 0.8% of all Fortune 500 CEO positions.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">June 19 events also present an opportunity for companies to reckon and wrestle with their own DEI goals with an eye to access and advancement
for professionals of color. It’s a time to think harder about supporting and recruiting through historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) as well as racial identity-based </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoOjWEuvntadMRYkY0mo69_nUzZtxRv47p4iNspY3gnlrPlUsE0_WKxnCBk0EjoyjyS3sVxp1C0DjlCWa0Now-EhVDpylEAmlfYZuSqg12lkGGjEPRAvRNDnqagUvy5YcgW9YF1QHiHielss3LLAANMYj547CRYMRoupI71zCu-1wAWsktJV5Rwg==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">professional
organizations</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">. It’s also a time for current (probably white) leadership to examine how they can become more active allies and accomplices for colleagues of color.
And it’s a time to not only “talk the talk, but walk the walk” by funding resources and initiatives that expand promotion and leadership opportunities for Black and brown employees.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">3. Enhance the meaning.</span><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#042E5F"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">While acknowledging Juneteenth as a paid company holiday is certainly a step in the right direction, it is not enough. Much like Martin Luther
King’s Day of Service, Juneteenth should be honored as a “day on, not a day off.”</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">To make Juneteenth and other cultural holidays meaningful in the workplace, we challenge organizations and employees to utilize this time
off to advance their knowledge and deepen their awareness. Companies might suggest or sponsor visits to one of the more than </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGo44HcSsc8gdaMQ8KgaUousMRJzjn8CvwZU1MQWD_53rjEOJF3tojk7WpbUUzIPvmqIhFfnvWExjsfj5m8_-IXyvYgG5BQjq-tEsK2Y5Ut9O55O1k75fPFsepCGpr_n4GGCHPtuKbi4Qh4sUmZKt03OQ==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">160
Black/African-American museums, sites and cultural centers</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> across the nation, distribute </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGofkMTjDii8z3JLClwExpzc_ag7_YZT0C-sk9DPdmBC44rqyl8TKQqlzqbXxTRYuxFLTHUs6BBokU_obC2wCSAngUDG4nFsslUJR34dyWuoOG_6Rc2OfijiLytNWf6UGaiBj80rh9NQnHeKlp1XTczZX5f-VLsXSIij-9pUkbQr7SC2OdLqlHM7Q==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">critical
texts</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> that detail the United States’ legacy of systemic racism and oppression, or encourage participation in local </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGo197kdE1lG_p0g50wZm5EABZYml45-6p8GSgAEz9E0P9XjTQZjnSX2PzXfVhrBT0zeLBX7QYr4q3Co8W8cvjAx_bJTxUu0iDPib-ZFfDbJi-ef2-NRmArekebQLpYyG0cJJPtOfZnhMKWBxzw1rHTh0wzuiK5WiMR&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">Juneteenth celebrations</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> and
patronage of </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoFXLOO8dUfaR0V2M4e5QjbXbbCWKXdXPBOPUwmdUgSR1-IyRjWVa5VeoOGIfeGU2aDF_sTtPFulA3MNNJKf1hAm2pm-QRDFQAI7IjMmWF_WEgHTszNinbTHy5wdY260L4_LHgJGiBZnDnWoaX5WWDm-07Xq8baoTUgWm1vp8uZ18JsRbB5nf_pA==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:#282828;text-decoration:none">Black
businesses</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> in your cities/communities. Companies’ shift from passive to active commemoration of Juneteenth and other cultural holidays signals purpose and relevance
rather than hollow recognition.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">4. Honor intersectionality.</span><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#042E5F"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">When you highlight the holidays of one group, others can feel left out: “There’s no month/day for my identity group so I don’t get a chance
to be celebrated.”</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Resist the urge to downplay the experience of one group because others have experienced different injustices. Instead, encourage using the
power of empathy to acknowledge what this marginalized particular group – enslaved Black Americans – went through, what their liberation meant for the country, and what that kind of progress means for us all.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">There is room for everyone at the DEI table, and when we advocate for change, it inherently raises all the boats creating a more inclusive
environment for all. At the same time, we should recognize that people have multiple identities, not just based on race and gender but also sexual orientation and even backgrounds and interests, such as being a veteran, immigrant, artist, or fitness enthusiast.
For example, June is also Pride month in the U.S. which is the celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Any DEI event should celebrate the fact that we all bring many different perspectives to our workplaces. Be thoughtful about celebrating Juneteenth (or Pride
or any other day relevant to a non-majority group) in a way that allows people to still feel like they can be their authentic and complex selves.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">Because many employees can become frustrated by one-off or “token” DEI celebrations, we also, of course, encourage companies and teams to
follow all the advice above year-round, not just on certain days. The work of DEI never stops. But the more we recognize holidays like Juneteenth as unifying opportunities, the further we can travel on this necessary journey.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:white"><img border="0" width="5" height="1" style="width:.05in;height:.0083in" id="_x0000_i1027" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif"></span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">About the authors<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoeugoCtXy6FGS__Ve-ccLsVujH5Th6Z8SWAzEbvn3OrDfW-4waJcyWi5eyd5AykIUyJnmb0e_YeTrrzxA_JTCIX474Snynf7hYJoUHzif694W9htcHWqySLYaZPw7e7LnGPeDci-i09urMT2LQemjlmOPVgxHWRYs&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size:14.5pt;color:#282828;text-decoration:none">Ella
F. Washington</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">, PhD is a professor of practice at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and the founder of </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGolZaZiCVLGZrg12rBXaZNkU5LwaMXCxKg6nNLu6ePA9Bd1xihWD5sAam0uhe8708SjB8IPjwGnW2DtTJTN1kgiLizaSrw5736&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size:14.5pt;color:#282828;text-decoration:none">Ellavate
Solutions</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">, which provides diversity and inclusion strategy and training for organizations. Ella is the author of </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoYGBp2aqzUoLS0IE3OZwmGWxt4ETs-8Jk3PAl1Dot7KxFkdW9EWvc70cutsCUnMqJmcDdTBJUCRlzINZGw8jEVQsnC7X-REvt&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size:14.5pt;color:#282828;text-decoration:none">The
Necessary Journey: Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">. She can be reached at </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="mailto:info@ellavatesolutions.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size:14.5pt;color:#282828;text-decoration:none">info@ellavatesolutions.com</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828">.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SKSbsw0J4CZ531d96azlmBkfs3hViw57NUnwdRrj1Y1CQYjFgLb0WL1IS4AhKyGoHlfw5_6K2WPo_Mk4Z9i194fQ7iuCvkshcbgVspmlsHT-Xu8-5NEx3MolVqniXWYi3WY7jmzC9WC0ZO7H4p_12tguTUFOaSRCxIb_aPpqdvl1J0TNBGci2Ks4mLoeXTC-tqG06MT8KcRKz5jGdSNMlg==&c=gy4Lgg9b0Fxyq2vBBx23uhFsQojJM6___igjrTXYXQT23FPYUm7J0w==&ch=sS8TL_arNEqdJrOs6sK_kZ0_mJp5BrhOuBOjwnJXRz9-hsXCz1Frow==" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size:14.5pt;color:#282828;text-decoration:none">Jasmine
Sanders</span></b></a></span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828"> is a sociology PhD student at the University of California, Berkeley where she explores organizations, culture, and inequality. She has a master’s degree
in sociology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a BA in English from Spelman College.</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_CPE&pn=chamber-bp&nav=93f1018f-67e3-4397-b8cb-feed24aa803f"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#5D5D5D;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="160" height="46" style="width:1.6666in;height:.475in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/CTCTFooter/Logo_Blue_Orange_2022.png" alt="Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today."></span></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#5D5D5D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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