Celebrating the Significance of Juneteenth with Pentair’s Black Employee Network

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Pentair Communications
Pentair Communications

06/19/2023

Celebrating the Significance of Juneteenth with Pentair’s Black Employee Network

On June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, the United States federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans by Major General Gordan Granger in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. This day marks the date when the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States was finally completed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation made by President Abraham Lincoln. Members of Pentair’s Black Employee Network (BEN), one of Pentair’s Business Resource Groups, commented on the importance of Juneteenth and what the holiday means to them.

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Lance BonnerAssociate General Counsel, M&A and Securities

“For me, Juneteenth is a reminder that the fortune of my life rides, in part, on the shoulders of the devastating misfortune and astounding perseverance of the enslaved and oppressed African Americans before me. It is an opportunity to talk to my kids about the history of slavery, emancipation, and the civil rights movement in America, and their place in that history as descendants of slaves and grandchildren of a civil rights activist and veteran who they were never able to meet.”

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Marcus FitzgeraldQuality Engineering Manager

“Juneteenth is an important day for me as it serves as recognition of the efforts of many who've fought and continue to fight to refine the idealism of freedom for all in America.”

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Keena HolleyMechanical Engineer

“To me, Juneteenth signifies a couple of things. Primarily, it means a time for gathering with family, celebrating, and reflecting on the historical significance of the day. Juneteenth is also a reminder to me that history is not just black and white, but very nuanced. It isn’t lost on me that generally up until about three years ago, the day’s significance was unknown to many people and generally only recognized by those of African American descent. To me, it’s not just African American history, but simply American history, so I’m encouraged that it is now a day of national recognition that we can all celebrate.”

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Marcus PhillipsSegment CMO, Industrial & Flow Technologies

“For me, Juneteenth represents resilience and the value of never giving up hope during times of uncertainty. Slavery represented a very polarizing period of oppression for Black families, so my family uses the time to reflect on the significant progress African Americans have made, including our own contributions to society and the advancements we’ve made through self-improvement. We don’t necessarily “celebrate” the day, but we do acknowledge and pay tribute to those who endured hardship during those times. I would encourage others to spend time to understand the historical significance of Juneteenth and the positive impact it has had on the culture and spirit of America.”

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