Honoring Freedom: How DPNA Member Firms are Celebrating Juneteenth in 2024

By the DPNA Industry Engagement & Events Committee

In recent years, Juneteenth has gained significant recognition as a critical moment in American history, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. As awareness of this pivotal day grows, many Diversity Project North America member firms are stepping up to honor it, not only as a celebration of freedom but also as an opportunity to educate and engage their employees about its significance. This movement reflects a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the asset and wealth industry.

Many of our members have added Juneteenth to their list of paid company holidays, posted on social media to raise awareness, and shared educational materials with their employees about the significance of the holiday.

Below are additional, creative ways in which some of our DPNA Member firms are recognizing Juneteenth and fostering a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural importance among their workforce:

Fidelity Investments

• Guest Speakers: Culturally relevant, inspiring guests have included Annette Gordon-Reed, author of On Juneteenth, Pulitzer Prize winner, Harvard professor, and historian; and Opal Lee, known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth."
• Wear Red Campaign: Employees are encouraged to wear red (symbolizing the blood and resilience of the enslaved people) and post on social media.
• Employee Events: Activities include trivia games, a music festival, and a cooking show.
• Local Community Book Drive
• Charitable Donation Matching

State Street Corporation

• Jazz Night: Employees are invited to enjoy a live band in their employee lounge, organized in partnership with State Street’s Professionals Group.

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

• Global Communication: Developed by Broadridge’s Multi-Cultural Associate Network (MCAN), an informative newsletter was distributed to all associates. View the 2023 edition here.
• Internships: Aspiring young professionals in the 2024 intern program will be highlighted via social media posts, organized in partnership with MCAN.

Russell Investments

• Bylined Articles: Drafted to showcase historical relevance and personal meaning of Juneteenth.
• Anti-Racism Training: Initiatives provided via the company intranet, in collaboration with the Russell’s Black Associates Resource Group.

Allspring Global Investments

• Regional Office Celebrations: Featuring food and beverages from Black-owned vendors.
• Employee Communications: Highlighting historical information (history, flag, traditions), ways to support Black-owned businesses, and links to local celebrations in major cities.*

Ameriprise / Columbia Threadneedle Investments

• Guest Speaker: Subject matter experts have included Joy Bivins, Director at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, hosted in partnership with Columbia’s Black Employee Network (BEN)
• Black-Owned Food Trucks: Lunch event available to all employees.
• Celebratory Menus: Special menus offered in employee cafeterias.
• Volunteer/Fundraising Opportunities: Partnerships with local charities and organizations have included:
• Project 150, packing nonperishable food bags and sorting clothing donations for homeless high school students.
• The Loppet Foundation, participating in the annual Juneteenth Fun Run.

*Resources for Celebrating Juneteenth around the Country:

• Boston
• The Carolinas
• Los Angeles
• Milwaukee
• Minneapolis
• NY
• SF
• Seattle

Our member’s efforts reflect a commitment to not only recognize and celebrate Juneteenth but also to educate and engage employees in meaningful ways. By fostering a deeper understanding of this historic day, Diversity Project North America members are helping to build a more inclusive and equitable asset and wealth management industry.

About Diversity Project North America

The Diversity Project North America is a cross-company initiative that champions DEI as a strategic business priority within the asset and wealth management industry. Through education, advocacy, and idea sharing, we promote the acceptance of diversity in all forms, the elimination of barriers and biases, and the creation of equitable opportunities.

About Nicsa 

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset and wealth management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices. With broad industry participation, Nicsa serves a diverse set of industry professionals focused on a wide array of business lines including product, distribution, technology innovation, data, operations, risk management, and accounting.

#DiversityProject

#DiversityandInclusion