In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring free all people held as slaves in the 10 states still in rebellion. The courage required of President Lincoln — a fellow Kentuckian — to do what was right despite significant reticence from his own advisors has always filled me with a sense of pride.
Juneteenth has become the annual commemoration of the permanent end of slavery in the United States, observed on June 19. Until recently, governments, companies, and the general public have not given this historic day the attention and deference it deserves. Today at Rubicon, we are changing that.
On Wednesday, I announced that going forward, June 19 will be a paid holiday for all employees.
As leaders in our industry, it is our responsibility to continue to lead on issues around human rights, and observing this historic day is but another small step for us to take in helping move our nation forward.
Steps such as recognizing Juneteenth are small in the grand scheme of things, but it is my hope that it will greatly spur our collective desire to achieve equality for all.
I encourage you to read and learn more about Juneteenth, to develop a greater understanding of the importance of this day, and of the urgency in moving toward a realization of the American Dream for all.