News and Insights

FINN Partners Shines a ‘Spotlight on Black-Owned Businesses’ for Juneteenth 2024

June 19, 2024

Juneteenth is America’s oldest-known observance of the end of slavery in the United States. Also known as “Freedom Day,” “Juneteenth National Independence Day,” or “Emancipation Day,” the day is celebrated by Black Americans across the nation. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in January 1863, granting freedom to slaves in 10 Confederate states, but the order wasn’t enforced until the end of the Civil War, almost two years later. On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger delivered the news to the people of Galveston, Texas that slaves were officially free, giving “Juneteenth” its namesake.

Since that day, it has been a tradition for Black Americans to commemorate the day through celebratory rituals, like cookouts, community events and more modernly, social media posts. Although Black people have been familiar with the holiday, many Americans are just now learning about Juneteenth and what the holiday truly means. July 4^th, 1776, or “Independence Day”, is a more notable holiday for most Americans and marks the day that America gained its independence. But even though America was free, not everyone in America would be free until nearly 100 years later.

In more recent years, several companies have seen a surge in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, allowing employees to become more engaged in America’s issues with injustice, inequality and racism. FINN has remained diligent, commemorating the Juneteenth holiday since 2020 as an agency-wide, paid holiday. In 2021, FINN’s global DEI Committee launched our Spotlight on Black-Owned Businesses initiative, a showcase of more than 200 Black-owned businesses across 15 North American cities that house FINN offices.

This year, FINN continues to “shine the spotlight” on Black businesses within FINN cities, and FINN employees are encouraged to explore, visit and support the Black-owned businesses in their communities. Without the freedom of slaves, Black Americans would not even be allotted the opportunity to own their own businesses, which is why FINN is committed to highlighting the businesses that create spaces for members of the Black community to feel welcome, accepted and appreciated.

Beginning on Juneteenth and throughout the year, FINN Partners will recognize several of Black businesses on social media, sharing anecdotes and photos from the employees that love them. Whether it’s a favorite clothing item, restaurant order or just a story from one of the Black businesses in your community, we want to hear! Just email the FINN DEI Committee, dei@finnpartners.com!