Melwood Celebrates Diversity: Juneteenth
June 14 – June 18, 2021
One of Melwood’s Core Values is Inclusivity. We believe that when everyone participates; we all win. We embrace differences and respect the backgrounds, talents, and capabilities of our co-workers, stakeholders, and customers.
Please join us as we kick off our first Celebrating Diversity event!
What does Juneteenth commemorate?
President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation officially outlawed slavery effective on January 1, 1863. However, enslaved people in Texas did not receive the news of their freedom until two and half years later, on June 19, 1865. The following year, freed people in several larger Texas cities held celebrations to mark the event. Many families still recognize Juneteenth today. Celebrations are held all over the United States at Local and State levels. There is also an effort to designate it as a National Holiday.
To honor this history, a group of Melwood colleagues came together last fall to form the Juneteenth Steering Committee. A full week of activities have been planned, most of which will be available virtually. Please join the celebration!
Activities Calendar
Monday, June 14, 2021 – History of Juneteenth
Click here to view a presentation on the history of Juneteenth.
Links listed in the presentation:
What is Juneteenth? History behind holiday celebrating the end of slavery – YouTube
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/19/magazine/history-slavery-smithsonian.html
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOOguH71–E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwe7pQPMcGo
Griot telling the story of Anansi the Spider – YouTube
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 – Telling Our Stories
Click here to hear various individuals telling their stories and experiences through the celebration of Juneteenth.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 12:00pm – Lunch and Learn – TED Talk
Inspired by the rising movement against racism in the US, WNBA champion Renee Montgomery made an unexpected decision: she opted out of her dream job. As she says in this stirring talk, she wanted to “make it felt,” and that meant turning her attention from the court to the community. But you don’t have to be a basketball star to make it felt; anyone can turn important moments into meaningful momentum. How will you?
Join for a discussion on “turning moments into momentum”, followed by 15-minute discussion hosted by Linda Cassell, Manager Leadership Development and Reagan Chaney, Program Director, Supported Employment
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 929-352-1550,,778018822# United States, New York City
Phone Conference ID: 778 018 822#
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Thursday, June 17, 2021 – Art at Melwood
Join participants in Melwood’s Day Program in a Paint-by-Numbers Art Project.
The theme is “What Does Inclusivity Mean to Me”
View the gallery of completed works below.
Click on the link to download Color by Number artwork.
Friday, June 18, 2021 – Celebrating Juneteenth with Friends and Food
Click here for a collection of recipes from the kitchens of Grandmothers, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins with a healthy dollop of love.
