Juneteenth Is Not the Day to Catch Up on Emails

Every Juneteenth, I notice the same thing.

Some people are celebrating. Some people are reflecting. And some people are acting like it's just another Friday.

Recently, someone shared a story with me about a supervisor who scheduled a meeting on Juneteenth. When the employee pointed out that it was a federal holiday—and that it was literally listed on the company calendar—the supervisor was embarrassed and quickly moved the meeting.

The story made me laugh a little. But it also made me pause.

Because while Juneteenth has been a federal holiday for several years now, there are still plenty of people who don't know what it is, don't remember it's coming, or don't see why it matters.

For many Black professionals, that's not exactly surprising.

We've all experienced moments where something important to us felt invisible to someone else.

That's why I think Juneteenth is one of those holidays we have to choose to acknowledge for ourselves, regardless of how much attention our workplace gives it.

If your company recognizes Juneteenth, great.

If they send an email, host an event, or share a resource, that's great too.

But honestly? That's not what makes the day meaningful.

The meaning comes from us.

It's remembering the significance of freedom delayed but not denied. It's spending time with family. Supporting Black-owned businesses. Attending a community event. Learning something new. Resting.

And yes, resting counts.

In fact, if you have the day off, I'm going to gently suggest that you stay out of your inbox.

Don't use Juneteenth to catch up on emails.

Don't use it to get ahead on next week's projects.

Don't spend the day proving how productive you are.

Work will be there tomorrow.

Juneteenth invites us to pause, reflect, celebrate, and reconnect—not just with history, but with each other.

And in a world that constantly asks us to keep producing, choosing to honor the day might be one of the most meaningful things we can do.