Centerfield Commemorates Juneteenth With Interactive Virtual Experience

In honor of Juneteenth — the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States — Centerfield hosted a live one-hour experience tracing the forgotten history and culture of this important holiday.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, but news that the Civil War had ended and that slavery was abolished did not reach slaves in Texas until June 19, 1865. According to the official website, Juneteenth, or Emancipation Day, celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

“As we continue to fight racism and the injustices of our country today, we encourage employees to take time to educate themselves on Juneteenth, systemic racism, and what we can do to move forward,” said Gena Romano, Centerfield’s Vice President of Human Resources. “Take time to pause and reflect on what part you play in this fight against racism and what action you can take.” 

Centerfield’s Juneteenth event was organized by Unexpected Virtual Tours and is aimed at teaching participants about Juneteenth’s history, leaders, and allies with on-location guides in Hampton, Virginia, and Austin, Texas. The first 85 people who RSVP’d received a treat box with items from black-owned small businesses.