Celebrating Juneteenth and Supporting Our Colleagues in the Black Community

We believe in supporting a culture—for our members, employees, and all those we serve—where dignity, equity and respect is an inherent right for everyone. 

To do so, we must be open to examining our past and improving our actions for the future. Please join us as we honor the history and resiliency of the Black community and celebrate Juneteenth. Here are a few things to know about Juneteenth: 

• Juneteenth marks the United States’ second independence day when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved persons in the Confederate state of Texas on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. 
• We celebrate June the 19th, now simply called Juneteenth, to honor this moment in history, to rejoice in the resiliency of the Black community and to serve as a reminder to strive for equality in our modern society.
• Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Also known as Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day, Jubilee Day and Freedom Day, Juneteenth has been long celebrated in the Black and African American communities, however the monumental moment it commemorates remains largely unknown to many Americans. 
• Modern celebrations of Juneteenth may include festivals, celebrations, parades, and community get-togethers. 

Here are ways to be an ally and support your colleagues and community: 

• Educate yourself.  Learn more about Black history—read, listen to podcasts, visit museums and cultural institutions—and share what you learn with others 
• Support Black business owners and creators 
• Support organizations that serve Black communities—those that fight for racial justice, equality and equity; support Black youth; and support the Black LGBTQ+ community 
• Become aware of and mitigate your biases
• Call out racism when you see it and actively help to change oppressive policies and practices 
• Being an ally is an ongoing process. We encourage you to get curious and continue learning about the history of our nation and ways you can continue to be an ally at work and in your community. 

Interested in working for an organization committed to an inclusive, welcoming and safe workplace where employees feel that they belong? Visit Careers.Humana.com to learn more about our culture of inclusion and explore open job opportunities.