All Penn Community Bank locations are closed on June 19 for the observation of Juneteenth. But what is Juneteenth and why is it important?
Juneteenth โ also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day โ is a federal holiday marking a an important historical event in United States history. You probably learned in history class that enslaved African Americans were declared free on January 1, 1862 under the terms of the Emancipation Proclamation. However, it wasnโt until June 19, 1865 โ two months after the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, VA and over three years after President Lincolnโs policy ending slavery – that Union General Gordon Granger and federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery to the African American population one of the southernmost points in the Confederate states.
Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1979, with several states following suit over the years. In 2021, President Biden signed a law declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday. Today, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle, freedom, and equality in the country. At Penn Community Bank, we recognize the importance of honoring this day and understand the significance it holds for our employees, customers, and the wider community.
Our dedication to promoting awareness and understanding of historically and culturally significant events is an initiative we take seriously. Through employee education and community involvement, we strive to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in everything we do.
โCelebrating this day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our ancestors and that we are accountable for making a positive impact in the world,โ says DE&I Officer Falesha Grasty.
Remember, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and celebration. Itโs important to recognize the strides weโve made as a country and the progress that lies ahead. We encourage our employees, customers, and community members to join us in observing this holiday.
For more information on Penn Community Bankโs DE&I efforts, visit www.PennCommunityBank.com.
