“Emancipation. Independence. Freedom.” Honoring Juneteenth
A day of reflection
Juneteenth is a day to reflect on, appreciate and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Declared a federal holiday in 2021, it is celebrated annually on June 19. For the first time this year, the financial markets and Raymond James offices will be closed on June 20 in observance.
Black associates throughout the firm, who are part of Raymond James’ multicultural inclusion network, Mosaic, reflected this year on what Juneteenth means to them:
“As a Black man, Juneteenth means being seen as an equal, rather than someone’s property,” said D Deris, senior advisor on the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. “To my Black kings, queens and allies, wishing you a happy jubilee day.”
TJ Haynes-Morgan, chief audit officer and member of the firm’s operating committee, said, “Juneteenth means freedom. It’s the concept of freedom, struggle for freedom, the cost of freedom and more importantly: the possibility of what freedom has afforded us and will continue to afford us.”
“Juneteenth is more than a day of celebration,” added Tarsha Burton, senior compliance advisor. “It’s a day of recognition, a way to honor the bravery and strength of my Black American ancestors and to educate others. It signifies hope.”
Commemorating this day
In addition to sharing their stories, associates and advisors are honoring Juneteenth with the guest speaker series, Legacy of Black Wall Street – A Blueprint for Financial Reconstruction of Black America. The three-part series will explore economic development in Tampa Bay with St. Petersburg’s first African American mayor Ken Welch; the history and lessons of Black Wall Street with historian and professor Quraysh Lansana of Oklahoma State University–Tulsa, and the contributions and inventions of Black Americans during the Industrial Revolution, a time of great innovation, with co-founder Meg Charles of St. Petersburg-based company CodeBoxx Technology Co.
As a part of the firm’s Pledge to the Black Community, Raymond James committed to observing a day of service as a way to honor Juneteenth. From biking in the Freedom 55 to benefit nonprofit YReads to supporting the Rhonda Walker Foundation, a nonprofit partner organization as part of our pledge in Southfield, Michigan, and so much more ... we are proud to have passionate associates and advisors dedicated to making a difference in their communities this Juneteenth.
Learn more about our Associate and Advisor Inclusion Networks and the firm’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.