Juneteenth: Becoming a Better Ally

Madison, WI – June 16, 2021 – Last fall, our leadership made the unanimous decision to add Juneteenth to our official corporate holiday schedule. As the longest-running African American holiday in history, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the remaining enslaved Black Americans. Our observance of Juneteenth signifies that UW Credit Union believes the Black experience matters. We acknowledge that while slavery was abolished decades ago, racial prejudice and injustice are still alive today.

Juneteenth is a chance to celebrate how far as a nation we have come, and to reflect on just how far we have yet to go. It’s a call to action to examine the role each of us plays in the ongoing battle against racism and educate ourselves on ways to eradicate racial inequality and support historically marginalized communities.

Our ask is two-fold: Be informed. Be an ally. 

If you need help starting that journey, a variety of resources are available:

• Externally sourced Glossary of DEI Terms, including allyship and implicit bias, as compiled by UW Credit Union.
• Ways to be a better ally
• Racial equity resources compiled by the Madison Public Library (books, videos, articles, websites, music, podcasts)
• Racial oppression resources, as compiled by UW-Madison

An important part of being an ally is showing up. Learn more about Juneteenth celebrations occurring near you: 

• Madison
• Milwaukee