Dear Colleagues,
Almost exactly a year ago today, I shared my first thoughts on Juneteenth; a day that acknowledges the actual end of slavery in America. At that time, as we all grappled with the tragic death of George Floyd, I mentioned how recent events made very clear that, although slavery ended 155 (now 156) years ago, racism and inequality remain. Unfortunately, we have yet to fully heal the racial divide in this country.
A year later, though the challenges I reflected on remain, I am encouraged that across the nation many individuals, groups, communities and even states began to look inward for what they can do to recognize the inequalities that persist in our country, and advance equity for all. Now, for the first time in the State of New Jersey and NJ TRANSIT, we are observing Juneteenth as an official holiday. While some may say a holiday is merely symbolic, symbols are often what defines us to the outside world.
Juneteenth is not just about acknowledging the past, but also the present. As Governor Murphy said when signing the bill making Juneteenth a holiday into law, “Every Juneteenth, we will celebrate the end of the physical chains which once held Black Americans down. While more work lies ahead to undo the oppression that remains, Juneteenth is an important marker that reminds us of our mission to create a society that enables our Black communities to achieve the full equality which they deserve.”
Here at NJ TRANSIT, we too have answered that call through our NJT2030 Diversity and Inclusion initiative, which asks what can we do to be a more welcoming, safe, supportive, and responsive organization for not only our Black customers, business partners, community partners and employees, but all the diverse communities and groups present in our great state. In the year since my last message, we have launched Company Employee Resource Groups (CERG) so that we as employees can teach, learn, and grow in this effort together. Our pilot CERG was our Black and African American CERG, and this year they are leading the first of what I know will be many Juneteenth observances to come.
When I look back at all the remarkable progress and accomplishments we have achieved over the last three years, I am encouraged because I am confident that we here at NJ TRANSIT have the collective will to continuously move forward. I believe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said it best – “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
May we all take time tomorrow to reflect on the lessons of the past, celebrate what progress we have made, and commit to what we will do to ensure equity exists for all.
Warmly,
Kevin
