06/19/2026
Today, Holaday-Parks recognizes Juneteenth, a day that marks an important moment in American history and invites reflection on freedom, justice, and the ongoing work of building more inclusive communities.
Although today is a regular workday for our team, we honor the spirit of Juneteenth by acknowledging its significance and reflecting on the role each of us plays in creating respectful, welcoming workplaces.
In construction and service, our work depends on people—our employees, union partners, customers, vendors, and communities. We are better when every person is treated with dignity and has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and belong.
To learn or better yet to teach more about Juneteenth, here are some learning resources:
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture—A strong starting point for the history and meaning of Juneteenth. NMAAHC explains that Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and freed enslaved African Americans more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Library of Congress—Good for historical context and primary-source learning. The Library notes Juneteenth as both a celebration of family and community and a symbolic date connected to the African American struggle for freedom and equality.
National Archives—Helpful for connecting Juneteenth to foundational documents like the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3.
PBS LearningMedia / Smithsonian Education Resources—Good for accessible videos, classroom-style explainers, and family-friendly learning materials.
BE4ALL.org (Belonging and Excellence for All)—A joint effort of SMACNA, SMART, and the International Training Institute focused on improving culture in the unionized sheet metal industry so it can attract and retain skilled workers while affirming the dignity of every person in the trade.
BE4ALL.org offers Juneteenth educational resources, including a resource flyer and calendar observance, as part of its broader work to support belonging and excellence across the unionized sheet metal industry.
