Connecting Communities
A4A Honors Juneteenth
June 16, 2023
On Monday, June 19th, Airlines for America (A4A) will join others around the nation to observe Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States which is also known as “Emancipation Day” or “Freedom Day.” It is called “Juneteenth” because it was on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when Union Major General Gordon Granger informed enslaved individuals that the Civil War had ended and that they were free.
Now, Juneteenth is a day to reflect on our country’s complicated history and focus on the importance of freedom, liberation and hope. And on June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law a bill recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, making it the country’s 11th federal holiday.
A4A and our member airlines are committed to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion. Our efforts to connect the world inspire us to foster a culture of respect among passengers and employees. At A4A, we strive to be a leader in creating initiatives that promote and expand opportunity for all communities. Our carriers have been increasing their outreach and expanding recruitment programs to secure a pipeline of employees—including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and others.
We hope you will join us in celebrating and reflecting on the significance that this day holds as we all work together to create stronger bonds and forge understanding in the community.
For more information on our commitment, please visit our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion page.