Skip to main content

The Solar Industry Commemorates Juneteenth

Friday, Jun 18 2021

Share
By
SEIA Comms Team

Yesterday President Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth an official federal holiday, following a unanimous vote in the Senate and a 415-14 vote in the House. It’s the first new federal holiday created since MLK Day in 1983, and as such, it is a big and important step thanks to the millions of grassroots advocates who have pushed our political leaders for change over the last year and beyond.

However, as many have pointed out on social media, this isn’t a simple victory, and it’s important to acknowledge the work we have left to do. The arc of the moral universe is long, and it’s our responsibility to help bend it towards justice. 
 
When then-President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, that led to the freedom of Black slaves, it still took time, effort, and even Union Army enforcement, particularly in the South where many slave owners refused to acknowledge that hard-fought freedom. The announcement by Union Army General Gordon Granger in Texas on June 19th enforced the proclamation that freedom from slavery was in fact, the law of the land. It wasn’t until the first anniversary of that statement in 1865 that the observance of June 19th became a holiday commemorating African American Emancipation Day.

Historically, Juneteenth has been an under-recognized day in American history and in our yearly national holiday celebrations. Last year, following the death of George Floyd and coupled with a global pandemic, the largest Juneteenth observation was held in the U.S. and the movement towards that recognition has been embraced by many Fortune 500 brands. While Juneteenth is now an official holiday, this momentum needs to continue in order to combat and hopefully prevent racist acts and hate crimes that are still prevalent in the United States. 

There are many ways you can observe Juneteenth and acknowledge its importance in American history. Here are a few ideas:

Whatever you do, reach out to your friends and family and share what you’ve learned in your effort to celebrate and better understand Juneteenth.

Article Type

Related News

Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023

Flipping the Script on the Public Health and Wealth-Building Benefits of Clean Energy

The United States is entering a new era powered by abundant, low-cost clean energy. By 2030, solar energy can meet 30% of U.S. electricity generation while creating $100 billion of annual economic investment and supporting one million family-sustaining jobs. This vision is achievable, but without attention and action, historical injustices in America’s energy sector will continue.

Read More
Tuesday, Feb 07, 2023

State of the Union Highlights Victories and Path Forward for American Clean Energy

WASHINGTON D.C. — Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on President Biden’s State of the Union address.

Read More
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2022

Solar and Storage Industry: Companies Need to ‘Do the Work’ on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Nearly half of the 43 companies enrolled in the Solar Energy Industries Associations’ (SEIA) award-winning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) certification program have changed their company practices to advance DEIJ and achieved at least a Bronze-level certification.

Read More