On June nineteenth, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that holds immense significance in American historical past and within the ongoing battle for racial equality and justice. As we mark this event, I need to take a second to replicate on its which means, to have fun 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 Individuals in Galveston, Texas, discovered that they have 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 Individuals, whatever the colour of their pores and skin.
However as we have fun this momentous event, we should additionally acknowledge the painful reality that the battle for true equality and justice didn’t finish on that day in June 1865. For a lot 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 assets to drive significant change, and to create a tradition the place each particular person feels valued, revered, and empowered to thrive. This dedication will not be solely an ethical crucial but in addition a enterprise necessity. We all know that range, inclusion, and collaboration are important to our success, and that after we create an setting 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 range and inclusion a core a part of our firm’s goal and technique. Via our Aware Tradition initiative, we’re fostering an setting 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 have been proud to host the 2nd annual Cisco Radiate occasion, a platform for our Black workers and allies to return 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 be the official sponsor of the Atlanta Juneteenth Parade & Competition 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 crew and be taught extra about our dedication to range, fairness, and inclusion.
However we additionally know that this work will not be the accountability of anyone firm or particular person. It requires all of us—leaders, workers, companions, and communities—to return 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 individual has an equal likelihood to succeed and thrive.
As we have fun 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 individual, 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 attempt for a world the place the promise of freedom and equality is really realized for all.
Glad Juneteenth!
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