5 things / U.S. Supreme Court
Hi there -
This week began with the announcement from the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it's illegal for employers to discriminate against people who are LGBTQ, or assumed to be. Attorneys are hopeful that this precedent can lead to a federal ban on LGBTQ discrimination in housing and public accommodations (things like stores and restaurants).
This week ended with Juneteenth, a holiday to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people. The date commemorates when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. Texas was the first U.S. state to make Juneteenth a state holiday, and 46 others have since followed suit. Only three recognize it as a paid holiday.
Had you heard of Juneteenth prior to recently? If not, why do you think that is? I learned of it only a few years ago.
Here are a few more things that inspired me, and why they're relevant:
This year, several companies, including Nike and Twitter, made Juneteenth a paid company holiday. This shows Black employees that they matter and is an opportunity to educate other employees on black history.
Philanthropist Patty Quillin and her husband, Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix, have committed $120 million to the United Negro College Fund, and Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, two historically Black colleges and universities. This will allow more young Black kids access to college and can help break the cycle of poverty.
Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, and Mrs. Butterworth are retiring. This matters because those brand images perpetuate various damaging racial stereotypes including that of the "happy servant."
Again, a question to consider: which of the above best practices can you borrow to use within your own organization?
Thanks for all you do to build a more inclusive world.
All the best-