McConnell & Jones LLP announced that all office locations will be closed this Friday, June 19, 2020 in observation of Juneteenth, a day which celebrates the liberation of the last group of enslaved African Americans in the South.
This year, Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day”, holds significant meaning as the United States continues to struggle with racial inequities and injustices. Dating back to 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth marks the day that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and the last enslaved Americans were free.
“These are difficult times and as a country we are being faced with troubling issues of racial inequality,” said Managing Partner, Wayne McConnell. “As an African American owned firm we have always been committed to diversity and inclusion, and I think it’s appropriate to give ourselves time off to pause, reflect, think about these challenges, look for solutions and make deeper and more meaningful connections with each other.”
Recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of Houston’s Most Diverse Businesses, McConnell & Jones is characterized by its inclusiveness and employs associates that represent countries from all over the world. The firm strives to serve as a role model for business in a diverse environment and embodies the idea that individuals and businesses alike can benefit when incorporating diversity into their daily routines.
“Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in this country” said Thomas Jones, Partner. “I can’t think of a better way for our firm to celebrate freedom and reflect on how we can work toward a stronger future together.”