Dear team, residents, and family members,
We are honored to acknowledge Juneteenth here at Arete Living.
June 19th commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to deliver the news that all people who were enslaved were free. This announcement came two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in January 1863.
June 19th originally became known as Juneteenth in Texas, first celebrated in 1866 to mark the first anniversary of when they finally heard the news of the Emancipation Proclamation. This holiday is also called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day.
Freedom, liberty, equality, and justice are core American values. Juneteenth recognizes that for many Americans, especially Black Americans, these values do not always reflect their lived experience.
Everyone deserves to feel valued and respected.
At Arete Living we value an inclusive environment and ensuring everyone can feel a sense of belonging. This is one of the very reasons we updated one of our core values to include belonging: “A culture of respect, belonging, and celebration of diversity.”
This exciting and needed update adds these key pieces to our core values to stand as a reminder as we serve residents, interact with fellow team members, and make decisions in our organization.
This month, I invite you to learn the history of Juneteenth and attend local celebrations. Find an event near you on our blog at AreteLiving.com/blog or search online in your area.
When we take time to learn, grow, and celebrate together, we cultivate a community where people can feel valued and respected.
Sarah Silva, President
Arete Living