June is an important month for diversity, equity, and inclusion with dates like Juneteeth and month-long celebrations such as Pride, National Caribbean American Heritage Month, and Black Lives Matter Month.
Today we’ll dive into the significance of each of these dates and how organizations can incorporate them into their holiday calendars. For starters, recognize these diverse dates:
- Encourage people to empathize with others.
- Become a visible force for equality.
- Motivate people and organizations to rally toward action.
JUNE 2022 DEI CALENDAR
PRIDE MONTH BEGINS
Pride Month is celebrated each June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, the last straw in a line of movements in the US that led to the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.
The acronym “LGBTQ+” stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning). The “plus” signifies all of the gender identities and sexual orientations that are not explicitly covered by the other five initials. Examples include pansexual or Two-Spirit, a Pan-Indigenous American identity.
Pride celebrates the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity and recognizes the impact of the diverse community. The holiday initially took place on the last Sunday of June; however, the “day” has since grown to encompass a month-long series of events.
Check out local pride organizations for community calendars and events. Scroll down for more ways to celebrate Pride in your workplace.
CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH BEGINS
Caribbean-American Heritage Month recognizes the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the US.
Immigrants, including millions of Caribbean-Americans, have been contributing to the well-being of our society since its founding. Their contributions, cultures, and history deserve to be recognized and celebrated!
With 1 in 4 Floridians born in the Caribbean, finding ways to immerse yourself in Caribbean culture should be easy! Scroll down for specific suggestions.
BLACK LIVES MATTER MONTH BEGINS
Black Lives Matter has evolved from a hashtag to a global movement for racial justice. Despite attempts by some to distort or hijack its message, the movement believes in ending racism and violence used against ALL Black lives.
This month, we encourage non-Black allies to be more intentional with your allyship by learning about the lived experiences of Black people and advocating for better opportunities for their advancement.
JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” commemorates the arrival of Union General Gordon Granger to Galveston, Texas to inform the last enslaved African Americans that the Civil War had ended and they were free. General Granger’s news came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the country since 1865, however it became a federal holiday in 2021. In the words of Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., “Juneteenth offers a chance for reflection onthe past and consideration for the future.”
Participate in local events recognizing Juneteenth and Black Lives Matter Tampa. Keep reading for ways to honor these holidays in your workplace.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DEI HOLIDAYS
Throughout history, countless people have lost their jobs, families, and lives because they were unable to live in peace as themselves. We believe everybody should feel comfortable and safe being themselves wherever they are, especially in the workplace. Action and open conversations are key to acceptance and progress.
Celebrations like Pride Month are more relevant than ever. 2022 has seen major setbacks in US public policy regarding personal freedom. From the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida to Roe vs. Wade being jeopardized, being vocal and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities is more important than ever. Pride shows LGBTQ+ youth that there is a community for them, instilling hope and confidence.
Discussions about systemic racism and instructional injustices are on the rise after the police killing of George Floyd. Commemorations like Juneteenth and Black Lives Matter Month that encourage ongoing conversations spark real change, which are critical to the acceptance and survival of Black people.
As a nation, we’ve never truly acknowledged the generational impact of slavery, the trauma it caused within the Black community, and the wealth it created for White slave owners and thier future generations. These dates provide opportunities to understand the fullness of Black history, spotlight Black achievement, stand together against racism, and rally towards equality.
BEST PRACTICES FOR OBSERVANCES IN THE WORKPLACE
ANY HOLIDAY –
- Define what the day (or month) is all about, why it matters, and how you will be observing it.
- Create a place to listen and learn.
- Speak out about current events.
- Invite guest speakers, external consultants, or an organization to conduct diversity awareness training sessions in-house.
- Demonstrate your commitment to DEI. For example: Consider adding a diversity and inclusion rider on job descriptions, making it clear that your workplace is a safe space for people of all backgrounds.
- Participate in local events, support local businesses, and donate. See below for specific suggestions!
PRIDE MONTH –
- Throw a Pride Party!
- Attend or sponsor a parade and invite others to join.
- Share information about LGBTQ+ history.
- Donate to a charity or nonprofit. Find suggestions at OutCoast.com.
- Ensure access to gender-neutral restrooms at all offices and/or stores.
- Invite employees to add their pronouns to their email signatures.
- Visit LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses in Tampa Bay, St. Pete, and Clearwater.
- Attend local Pride events. Here are some guides to get you started:
CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH –
- Buy Caribbean! Patron local Caribbean-American businesses.
- Food is foundational to culture. Hold a cooking demo, encourage team members to bring in traditional dishes, or organize a meal at a local Caribbean-American restaurant. Here are the top Caribbean restaurants in each city:
- Celebrate and educate. Raise the flags in celebration!
- Donate to a Caribbean charity or nonprofit, such as The Caribbean Community Association.
- Visit America’s first Caribbean Hertigage museum in South Florida!
- Tampa Bay Caribbean Heritage Festival recognizes and encourages the diverse cultures within the local Caribbean American community. The annual event has already taken place this year, but you can add it to your calendar for 2023.
JUNETEENTH & BLACK LIVES MATTER MONTH
- Give your employees paid time off. Juneteenth falls on a Sunday this year, so many will observe it on Monday the 20th.
- Provide opportunities for reflection and have employees share experiences.
- Support through spending! Check out this list of Black-owned businesses in Tampa.
- Educate. Here’s a list of podcasts you can share. Find more resources online at places like BlackLivesMatter.com.
- Highlight Black artists and creators – consider a trip to Tampa Museum of Art’s Juneteenth Cultural Celebration 2022.
- Participate in local events recognizing Juneteenth and Black Lives Matter Tampa.
MARKETING DEI HOLIDAYS RESPECTFULLY
It’s not only important to acknowledge diversity internally within your work culture, but also outwardly, in your marketing, to show support as an organization. A growing number of consumers say it’s important for the companies they buy from to align with their beliefs and values. Here are some do’s and don’t for showing your support publicly and with grace:
- DO highlight initiatives your organization will participate in on these dates.
- DO share the importance of the date and educate.
- DO promote minority-owned partners in your industry.
- DON’T shy away from showing your support for fear of alienating customers.
- DON’T add any call to action that benefits your organization (*showcasing charities and nonprofits is an exception.)
- DON’T “rainbow wash” – For example, slapping a rainbow on your logo, without making any substantive statement in support of the community.
- DON’T use these holidays as an opportunity to capitalize on diversities. Commercialization is not support.
At The Orenda Collective, we aim to help employers make DEI a reality and a point of company pride in their organizations. Could your company’s policies and standards be more inclusive? Start by adding these dates to your company holiday calendar. Doing so will be a visible force for equality, encourage empathy, and rally people toward action!
Reach out for guidance from our DEI experts today at 813-384-7630.
