At Tucker Ellis, we celebrate Juneteenth to support and recognize the importance of the African American community in the United States and acknowledge the legacy of enslaved people in America. In observance of Juneteenth this year, the Tucker Ellis Black Inclusion Advancement Network (BIAN) Resource Group hosted nationally renowned speaker, bestselling author, and political strategist, Steve Phillips, who presented from our San Francisco Hallway on June 15.

Steve presented his virtual Juneteenth presentation through the lens of a historical reflection of government policies from emancipation to present day for Tucker Ellis attorneys and staff to enjoy throughout our seven Long Hallways nationwide. This BIAN event also commemorated the holiday by providing traditional soul food during lunch in our West Coast offices and red desserts and beverages in our Midwest and East Coast offices from local Black-owned caterers. A powerful symbol of the Juneteenth holiday, the color red not only represents the bloodshed of enslaved ancestors in the transatlantic slave trade – it was also a favorite color of West African royal courts, who viewed the color as the embodiment of strength, spirituality, and transformation.

On this Juneteenth, let us celebrate the freedom of those who are descendants of African American enslaved people. Despite centuries of slavery, discrimination, and hardship, we have never given up hope, nor have we relinquished our quest for justice and equality.