June 14, 2024

Juneteenth, Freedom Day, celebrates African American resilience, born out of a day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth.”  

Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth brings together African American families to continue traditions, reconnect and strengthen the bonds that have endured through slavery and today’s continued fight for equality. 

While the news of freedom spread in Galveston, Texas, establishing a path towards higher education for Black people became paramount following the Civil War. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, between 1861 and 1900, more than 90 institutions of higher education were founded for African Americans.  This included two HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in southwest Ohio: Wilberforce University (1856) and Central State University (1887). 

During Reconstruction, the immediate period following the Civil War, Black families sought to reunite with one another. The gathering of Black fathers, mothers, siblings, and others took on a deeper meaning. This tradition of coming together to celebrate through reunions continues today. One of the longest running reunions happens annual in Cincinnati during the Midwest Black Family Reunion. Organizer, Tracy Artis, has worked tirelessly to keep this tradition alive with the support of her family as contributors to the event. This year TriHealth is the title sponsor of the Midwest Black Family Reunion in August and is proud to serve the Black community at this event with engagement, health screenings and more.  

Juneteenth is in its third year as a federal holiday. There are many ways people acknowledge the holiday. For many, it’s passing down stories of heroism and heartbreak to a new generation, sharing recipes of dishes that were prepared during the first Juneteenth celebration, and providing a day of service in their community. Locally, there are several celebrations highlighting the holiday that will happen before, during and after June 19. VisitCincy.com provides a list of events happening around Greater Cincinnati. Another resource for more about the origins of Juneteenth and how it’s celebrated today is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. On its web site, you can find reading lists, recipes and music inspired by the holiday.  

At TriHealth, celebrations will take place at Baldwin, Good Samaritan, Bethesda North, and Bethesda Butler. At Baldwin, there will be a film screening of “Breaking the Silence: A Black Nursing Documentary,” which was sponsored by TriHealth and bi3. The film brings to light the struggles faced by Black active nurses and nursing students and inspires action to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The screening will be held on June 19 at 11 a.m. Lunch at Baldwin will be provided by Soul Secrets and Davis Cookie Collection. There will also be a livestream at Good Samaritan, Bethesda North and Bethesda Butler. Finally, inspired by a Juneteenth culinary tradition, food service at these hospitals and the Norwood location will offer red themed foods like strawberries, cherries, and apples (selection will vary by location) on June 19. 

Juneteenth is a time to remind us that the call to action to provide equality for all continues. Despite TriHealth’s best efforts to provide excellent, equitable care, the data shows there are disparities in our community’s health outcomes that often play out amongst racial and socioeconomic lines. In response, the TriHealth Center for Health Equity was established to focus on addressing factors like food insecurity, transportation, housing and safety which have a crucial impact on health. Its mission is also to create an equitable and inclusive organization for team members, with a focus on improving health outcomes for our patients and community. 

Whether you mark Juneteenth through celebration, reflection or service, we wish all team members a Happy Juneteenth! 

 

Thank you for acknowledging our holiday electronically but it means nothing if it's not acknowledged publicly. The troops fought for our country, and we are compensated for it. The torment that African Americans have and continue to experience in this country runs deep. I highly suggest you consider making this a paid holiday moving forward. Be on the for front of change.
Posted by: Joslyn Pegram on June 20, 2024
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Since we are all about diversity here at trihealth, i believe this should be a paid holiday. Not to mention other organizations like CCHMC do and pay their employees appropriately. Consider getting on board.
Posted by: Jenna Schroeder on June 20, 2024
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Juneteenth should be a paid holiday since most of other organizations in the region consider it a holiday.
Posted by: Cindy Ramirezjimenez on June 20, 2024
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Thank you
Posted by: BreAnna Henry on June 19, 2024
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