On June nineteenth, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that holds immense significance in American historical past and within the ongoing wrestle for racial equality and justice. As we mark this event, I need to take a second to replicate on its that means, to rejoice the progress we’ve made, and to resume our dedication to constructing a extra simply and equitable world.
Juneteenth, often known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the day in 1865 when the final enslaved African People in Galveston, Texas, realized that they had been free, a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This date represents a turning level in our nation’s historical past—a second when the promise of freedom enshrined in our Structure lastly started to be realized for all People, whatever the coloration of their pores and skin.
However as we rejoice this momentous event, we should additionally acknowledge the painful reality that the wrestle for true equality and justice didn’t finish on that day in June 1865. For much too lengthy, systemic racism, discrimination, and inequality have persevered in our society, denying far too many the complete measure of freedom, alternative, and dignity they deserve.
At Cisco, we imagine we have now a accountability to confront these injustices head-on, to make use of our platform and our sources to drive significant change, and to create a tradition the place each particular person feels valued, revered, and empowered to thrive. This dedication isn’t solely an ethical crucial but additionally a enterprise necessity. We all know that variety, inclusion, and collaboration are important to our success, and that after we create an atmosphere the place everybody can deliver their full selves to work, we unlock the complete potential of our folks and our group.
That’s why we’ve made variety and inclusion a core a part of our firm’s objective and technique. By way of our Aware Tradition initiative, we’re fostering an atmosphere of dignity, respect, equity, and fairness, the place everybody can contribute their distinctive views and experiences. And with our Social Justice actions, we’re taking concrete steps to handle systemic racism and drive lasting change, from rising illustration and development of Black workers to investing within the financial empowerment of Black communities.
Final week, we had been proud to host the 2nd annual Cisco Radiate occasion, a platform for our Black workers and allies to come back collectively, share their experiences, and empower one another to shine. With the theme “You Are Meant to Shine,” we acknowledged that each particular person has distinctive abilities, views, and experiences that contribute to our collective success. Over 600 folks attended the occasion over three days, radiating and illuminating the trail for others, as a result of after we shine collectively, we mild up the world.
Cisco can also be the official sponsor of the Atlanta Juneteenth Parade & Pageant at Piedmont Park from June 21-23. This vibrant celebration is a testomony to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the African American group. I invite you to hitch us and our #CiscoAACPC companions for a weekend of unity, pleasure, and reflection. Stroll alongside us within the parade and cease by the Cisco sales space to attach with our staff and study extra about our dedication to variety, fairness, and inclusion.
However we additionally know that this work isn’t the accountability of anybody firm or particular person. It requires all of us—leaders, workers, companions, and communities—to come back collectively in a spirit of empathy, understanding, and shared dedication. It requires us to have troublesome conversations, to problem our assumptions and biases, and to take motion in methods giant and small to create a world the place each particular person has an equal probability to succeed and thrive.
As we rejoice Juneteenth, let’s draw power and inspiration from the braveness and resilience of those that have come earlier than us, from the numerous people who’ve fought and sacrificed to bend the arc of historical past in the direction of justice. Allow us to honor their legacy by rededicating ourselves to the unfinished work of equality and by reaffirming our dedication to making a future the place each particular person, in each group, has the chance to achieve their full potential.
At Cisco, we’re proud to be a part of this ongoing journey, and we’re deeply grateful to our workers, our companions, and our communities for becoming a member of us on this work. Collectively, let’s proceed to try for a world the place the promise of freedom and equality is actually realized for all.
Pleased Juneteenth!
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