Juneteenth 2023

As an employment lawyer, Juneteenth reminds me that racial equality and civil rights is ongoing, especially in the workplace. Black women experience higher rates of sexual harassment at work. Black workers are paid less than white colleagues for equal work. Inequities faced at work translate into larger disparities negatively impacting Black Americans’ economic security and ability to thrive. As employers, it is imperative to examine structural racism that shows up in hiring practices, promotions, pay disparities, and biased workplace norms. Doing so starts with leadership at the top: leaders committed to self-reflection and concrete action steps to combat racial inequity at work.