Celebrating the Diversity and Power of Our Humanity!
At Toshiba America Business Solutions, we firmly believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment where all voices are heard and respected. Not only is it the right thing to do, studies have shown workplaces that foster a sense of belonging help improve morale, productivity and worker retention.
It is important to acknowledge and honor the historical significance of Pride Month and Juneteenth and its relevance to our shared journey toward equality and justice.
June is an incredibly special month for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies around the world. Pride Month is not just a commemoration; it is a powerful statement of resilience, visibility, and the ongoing fight for equal rights. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of Pride Month, its history, and why it continues to be essential in our society today.
The Stonewall Riots: A Catalyst for Change
To truly understand Pride Month, we must acknowledge its roots in the historic Stonewall Riots of 1969. The LGBTQ+ community faced widespread discrimination and oppression during that era, with police raids targeting their spaces and lives. However, on June 28, the patrons of New York City’s Stonewall Inn, led by transgender women of color, decided to fight back. Their resistance marked a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and ignited a global movement.
The Birth of Pride Parades
One year after the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride Parade took place in New York City on June 28, 1970, known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. It served as a commemoration of the uprising and a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Since then, Pride Parades and events have spread across the globe, providing spaces for people to express their identities freely, promote visibility, and advocate for equality.
Reflective of its history, this year’s Pride theme is “Rage and Resilience”. For generations the LGBTQ+ community, along with their allys (co-workers, friends and family) have fought and continue to fight for basic human rights and equality. Nothing more and nothing less.
The recognition of our common humanity is the first step in the celebration of our differences — differences that inform our cultures, our values, our minds and all our ways of being and interacting with one another.
Celebrating Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Unity
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas. On June 19th, we come together to honor the resilience and strength of those who fought for freedom.
This day serves as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. Through vibrant gatherings, music, and cultural expressions, Juneteenth unites communities, fostering unity and promoting the ongoing pursuit of equality for all.
On this occasion, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the importance of Juneteenth and its significance in our collective pursuit of freedom and equality. Use this day to deepen your understanding of the historical context and engage in meaningful conversations about the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination.
Let us celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth with gratitude, reflection, and a commitment to creating a future rooted in justice, equality, diversity and inclusion.
