A Message from EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows on Juneteenth Day of Observance 2023

Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day” or “Juneteenth Independence Day,” commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On this day, we celebrate the courage and bravery of African Americans who fought for freedom, and in doing so, made this a better nation. We recognize their strength and honor their resilience.

On this holiday, we acknowledge the progress we’ve made and recognize that our fight for racial justice is not finished. The murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many other persons of color brought to the forefront not only the relationship between the police and Black and other communities of color, but also broader questions of systemic discrimination, economic inequality, and equal employment opportunity.

As a descendant of enslaved persons and Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), I am very mindful of the responsibility that comes with leading an agency charged with preventing and remedying workplace discrimination. Today, the EEOC continues to see harassment cases involving racist graffiti, references to slavery and lynching, and even nooses in workplaces across the country. These shameful acts of hatred and bigotry remind us of the fierce urgency of the EEOC’s work. Every day all of us, have an opportunity to help make good on our nation’s promise of equality and justice for all. I’m honored to lead the EEOC’s efforts as we work to ensure that each day, we come closer to that goal.

Charlotte A. Burrows (she/her/hers)

Chair

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission