June Is an Important Month for Celebrating Our Diversity
June 22, 2022
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines diversity as “the inclusion of people of different races, cultures, etc. in a group or organization” or “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements.” The idea of diversity can be applied to both our personal and professional lives, as well as our overall interactions with anyone we encounter throughout the day.
Not only is it important to be aware of the cultures and communities that surround us, but if we are to truly value what it means to be diverse, we must equip ourselves with knowledge about the people who make up those cultures and communities, with the goal of understanding, empathizing and appreciating everything they contribute to the world. Immersing ourselves in someone else’s culture — eating their cuisine, enjoying their music, attending their events, learning about their clothing and language — is a great way to achieve this goal.
Committed to Diversity
CoolSys intentionally creates a work environment composed of people with diverse backgrounds and points of view from varying ancestries across the globe. We recognize that a diverse, inclusive workplace is more productive and collaborative. When voices get heard and employee suggestions are implemented, the work environment becomes a happier place. CoolSys ensures that the unique contributions of each employee — no matter their culture or background — get the attention they deserve. This month, we’re focusing specifically on two diversity-related commemorations that happen in June: Juneteenth and Pride Month.
Roots and Significance of Juneteenth
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in January 1863, officially freeing enslaved people of African heritage, the news did not immediately spread to all areas of the United States. When Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, two years later — on June 19, 1865 — he brought with him the message that finally solidified the hope that enslaved Americans had bled over for more than 200 years. Although some slaveowners were still reluctant to comply, the significance of Granger’s news propelled immense celebration among the men and women who now knew they were free. We celebrate Juneteenth to commemorate the effective end of slavery.
Pride Month Celebrates Our Diversity
President Clinton declared the first Gay & Lesbian Pride Month in 1999.The name changed to LGBT Pride Month under President Obama in 2009, and in 2021, President Biden declared June to be LGBTQ+ Pride Month. It is celebrated to honor the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan on June 28, 1969, when police raided an LGBTQ+ bar and the patrons of the bar fought back.
In CNN Article, https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/01/health/pride-month-explainer/index.html, Ayana Archin and Brandon Griggs say that, during Pride Month, “the world’s LGBT communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves.” Pride Month provides an opportunity for anyone to show support for LGBTQ+ men, women and adolescents by joining them in parades, donning rainbow flags or prints, or speaking up on social media.
In the spirit of Juneteenth and Pride Month, we encourage you to get to know your coworkers better — each person’s unique background, family history and point of view. A great way to start is to ask, “What’s your story? I’d like to get to know you better.” A better understanding of the people around us often begins with a simple conversation!