FHLI offices will be closed on Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved Black Americans. On June 19, 1865, about 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, which had taken effect two years prior. Texas was the last Confederate state forced to free enslaved people of color, officially ending slavery in the U.S.
In 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday, prompting more organizations to observe the occasion with a day off for their employees. Some employers also leverage the holiday to educate and raise awareness about racial barriers that continue to exist today.
Intersectionality is at the core of the work we do at FHLI. Our mission of whole-person health must include addressing barriers in the health care space related to race.
Therefore, the organization is more than willing to honor the occasion of Juneteenth as a holiday for staff. Embracing our diversity and striving for equity is at the core of what enables us to support the communities we serve.
We hope you can join us for reflection, education, and refreshment over the long weekend. If you are attempting to reach any FHLI staff, we will respond to email and phone messages on Tuesday when we return to our desks.