Juneteenth is a day to recognize the true emancipation of enslaved people in states of rebellion against the Union.
Celebrated on June 19th, this year marks the first anniversary since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States — a significant decision to acknowledge this piece of history that has been called for by advocates for years. Juneteenth is the first new federal holiday in over 30 years.
In an effort to move beyond ceremonial action, we are reflecting on opportunities to improve our engagement as allies. Last year, we shared our regret in overlooking Juneteenth as an official holiday to commemorate its importance — especially for our US-based staff and Contributors.
This year we’re improving our policies with intention and empathy to reflect our values. One action we are taking is ensuring our employees access and utilize their unlimited time off to observe holidays significant to them. Although unlimited time off has been our policy for years, we recognize that observances and holidays that commemorate significant cultural histories require acknowledgment and encouragement to take that time for celebration or contemplation. This year we have encouraged all staff to take time to commemorate Juneteenth’s importance.
Throughout the last year, we have sought actionable methods to grow a more diverse & authentically-represented collection. Across our organization, we birthed the North Star Initiative — a co-op-wide, collectively led project intended to produce recommendations that refine our vision, longer-term strategic direction, and actionable items — one of which is the increased diversity of our collection in both the stock media assets that comprise the collection and the creators that capture that great work. With diverse perspectives and global representation behind the lens, we can better progress representative media.
While we don’t believe in collecting identity-based data from our Contributors, we offer individual opt-in to participate in campaigns centered on identity. One example is our first Black History Month campaign, where we amplified the voices of Black creators both within and outside of our own community.
If you identify as a Black creator, we invite you to apply to join our community of contributing artists at stocksy.com/cta. We are grateful for the opportunity to enrich our own community and continue to create equity within the creative class.
We acknowledge that the steps taken are small, there is more work to be done, and we vow our continued commitment to the community we exist to celebrate and support.
With gratitude,
Stocksy
Resources
Juneteenth.com
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Read about it here. (A lot of traffic here today – see the next link if you are unable to load.)
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.
Center for Community Alternatives
Operating in NY, CCA is a leader in community-based alternatives to incarceration through the promotion of reintegrative justice and an emphasis on personal development.
G.L.I.T.S
Advocates for equitable housing policy and comprehensive healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ BIPOC community in NYC.
Noname Book Club
A Black-led worker cooperative connecting community members both inside and outside carceral facilities with radical books.
The Ron Finley Project
An organization based in LA working to transform food deserts into food sanctuaries across the US.
