Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani is honored to recognize and embrace Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, many of the last enslaved African-Americans in Texas learned that they indeed were free through General Order No. 3 issued by Major General Gordon Granger, some two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. And in 2021, after being celebrated in communities, cities, and states across America for decades, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday.
Juneteenth affords us an opportunity to acknowledge the innumerable contributions that African-Americans have made, and continue to make, to our firm, our profession, and our country. Just as significantly, Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of the law in securing justice and in shaping a better world. The legal growth that we have achieved since 1865 is a testament to our collective strength and determination, but the need to reinforce the significance of our courts, our profession, and the rule of law is more present now than ever before.
We hope to be an example of why embracing equality, inclusion, and diversity is not only the right thing to do but also why it is economically and strategically advantageous for us as a firm and a society. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering these principles, and by memorializing Juneteenth, we encourage you to join us in working toward the realization of meaningful progress and freedom for everyone.
Learn more about Juneteenth.