Juneteenth 2022 – Celebrating Black creativity.
June 17th, 2022In recognition of Juneteenth, the newest US federal holiday, Zenfolio and Format turn the spotlight on Black artists and photographers from the Zenfolio and Format community as a tangible recognition of their societal journey and the importance of their cultural contributions. Diversity has long been a company core value and we recognize the significance of Juneteenth as an annual paid holiday for our employees.
From activism to the everyday, this collection of artists and photographers use their talents to create meaningful art and images that bring visibility to the Black community.
Since it was first celebrated in Galveston Bay, Texas on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth has been a vital milestone to commemorate the freedom of enslaved Black people as declared in the Emancipation Proclamation which had been signed by Abraham Lincoln over two years prior. Now this important date is enshrined in our national consciousness to be remembered and honored not just annually, but everyday.
In a message to employees from CEO John Loughlin, he urged, “…take this opportunity to remember and reflect on the Emancipation and the larger story of the history of slavery in America, and to put it in its proper context as part of our past and present. I strongly encourage you to use the Juneteenth holiday as a motivator to learn and more deeply understand the trials, challenges and accomplishments of Black Americans.”