Juneteenth is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a day of reflection, celebration, and understanding. As we approach this important occasion, it’s a perfect time for small businesses to join the celebration and amplify their impact by honoring Juneteenth and what it represents.
In this post, we’ll dive into the history of Juneteenth, how you can celebrate and elevate the significance of the day in your business, and offer actionable ways to make a positive impact in your community.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, marks the day when Union Army General Gordon Granger declared the end of slavery in Texas in 1865. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had outlawed slavery in other parts of the country. While the proclamation had already been law, Texas was one of the last holdouts to enforce freedom for enslaved people, and June 19th became a symbolic day of freedom and liberation for the African-American community.
Though Juneteenth started in Galveston, Texas, today it is celebrated across the United States as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day. It’s a day to honor the sacrifices made by Black communities and celebrate their freedom, history, and contributions to the United States.
Social Activism & Juneteenth
The significance of Juneteenth has grown exponentially in recent years. After the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, we saw a resurgence in social justice movements that reshaped how we view diversity, equality, and justice. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also how much work is left to do.
Businesses can play a role in honoring the past while supporting social justice initiatives today. This is a chance to raise awareness, give back, and create real change—not just on one day, but as part of your ongoing efforts toward diversity and inclusion.
How Should Small Businesses Celebrate Juneteenth?
1. Offer Juneteenth Day Off (Or Day On) for Your Team
We know that corporate giants like Twitter and Nike have started offering Juneteenth as a paid holiday, but your business can make a similar move! Give your team the day off to reflect, engage in peaceful activism, or volunteer with local organizations. Or, if you prefer to engage, offer a donation matching program for charities supporting Black rights and social justice causes. Encourage your team to use the day to learn, reflect, and contribute however they can.
At Wickedly Branded, we’ve previously donated to the Equal Justice Initiative, and it’s a powerful way to show support and raise awareness.
2. Educate Your Community About Juneteenth
The first step to celebrating Juneteenth is understanding what it represents. Share your knowledge with your customers through social media posts, blog entries, or even educational videos. This could include sharing about Juneteenth’s origins, its significance, and how it continues to shape the narrative around freedom and equality.
Consider creating a special social post, IGTV series, or even a carousel post driving traffic to a blog that dives deeper into the history of Juneteenth. It’s about spreading awareness and helping others connect with the message of freedom and unity.
3. Support Black Creators, Businesses, and Nonprofits
Take the opportunity to highlight and support Black entrepreneurs and organizations in your community. Whether it’s Black-owned businesses or nonprofits, make it a point to amplify their voices through your platform. Feature their work in your marketing, share their stories, and promote their products. This shows your support and deepens your connection to the values of diversity and inclusion.
4. Use the Colors of the Pan-African Flag in Your Marketing
The Pan-African flag represents freedom, unity, and pride for the African diaspora, and it’s a powerful visual for Juneteenth celebrations. Incorporating these colors—red, black, and green—into your social media posts and marketing materials is a simple way to show solidarity and respect for the movement. You can also consider diverse imagery and visuals that truly reflect the spirit of Juneteenth and the African-American community.
Want some high-quality, culturally relevant images for your Juneteenth celebrations? Check out Nappy, TONL, and CreateHER Stock, which specialize in providing beautiful photos that authentically represent diverse communities.
5. Don’t Use Juneteenth to Sell, Use It to Connect
While it’s tempting to use holidays to push promotions, Juneteenth is not a day for sales pitches. It’s a day of reflection, respect, and connection. Focus on honoring the history and raising awareness. Think about how your business can engage year-round in conversations about diversity and social justice, not just as a one-off holiday event. Authenticity is key, and when your actions are consistent, your audience will trust and appreciate you more.
Juneteenth is a reminder of how much work there is still to be done. As a small business, you have the power to make a real impact by celebrating freedom, supporting your community, and honoring Black history. Your role in spreading awareness is crucial. Tthis is an opportunity to amplify your brand values in a way that feels aligned and authentic.
Let’s make this Juneteenth more than just a day on the calendar. Let’s use it as a moment to spark real change and celebrate the freedom that unites us all.
