[author: Tyler Epps]
Rising together
I rise, I rise, I rise. These are the last three lines of the poem “Still I Rise” by the beloved poet Maya Angelou – and what Juneteenth is all about. Juneteenth commemorates one of the most meaningful events in American History. It honors the end of enslaved people in the United States by marking the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the Confederate States on June 19, 1865.
The legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of strength, never giving up hope, and, as Angelou mentions, rising above in times of uncertainty. This day also allows us to reflect on the progress made to achieve justice, equity and inclusion for all. Some communities celebrate by gathering for a community parade, extending their knowledge about the history of Juneteenth, while others might have a smaller gathering with their family. One thing that is prevalent from all these interactions is community.
Serving together
As you think about how you can create an impact on Juneteenth, we encourage you to think about civic engagement or volunteerism. Supporting an organization's efforts toward social change is impactful and has a long-lasting effect on uplifting the community. At NAVEX, each member of our team receives paid time off to support and celebrate with their communities through our Acting and Changing Together Day of Service. One of our community partners, 100 Black of Men of Greater Charlotte, aims to enrich the lives of African American youth through mentoring, education, health and wellness, economic empowerment, and leadership.
DeWayne Allen, Director of Pathways, leads the Pathways program and recently provided his insights on the impact of social engagement:
Why do you feel it's important to give back?
The most important reason I believe you must give back is based upon how I value scripture, "To whom much is given…much is required." I have been incredibly blessed in my career and personal life and to me giving back is the payment for all those blessings.
How do you believe volunteerism uplifts communities?
Volunteerism is a critical component for the upliftment of any community. It shows personal commitment and sacrifice. Partnered with monetary investments, volunteerism acts as a force multiplier for community success and advocacy.
Be the One – Together
At NAVEX, as we lean into our values, we continue to be guided by our strategic intent “Be the One–Together”, where we aim to be the one place our team wants to grow and thrive in their careers.
Thriving within the workplace at NAVEX and extending our hearts within our communities, we believe treating people fairly is the only way, and our unique attributes collectively make us stronger. We believe creating opportunities for accessibility not only uplifts future generations but also ensures we are not repeating history’s past.
We wholeheartedly know every individual deserves a chance to thrive, grow and have access to resources to become the best they can be – no matter what race, age, gender, or any other piece of identity we each hold. We encourage you to lead with respect, curiosity and kindness, as every little bit helps create a more equitable world and find ways to continue creating change. Change starts from within.
Learn more about 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte here.
