Ladell, our Associate Social and Community Manager, and Mary, Community Coordinator, from Secret Mode gives their thoughts on why Juneteenth is important. Secret Mode is one of our fellow Sumo Group businesses.

What Juneteenth means to us - Secret Mode logo and Auroch Digital Logo top right with Mary and Ladell in circles

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is short for June 19th, and it commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States in 1865. However, the end of slavery didn’t just mean that equality happened overnight; human rights continued to be denied until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. That’s only 80 years ago. In certain parts of America, you will find Juneteenth traditions including public readings, singing, picnics and parades as well as a lot of barbeques.

What are the current issues around Juneteenth?

Juneteenth was marked down nationally for its importance, but it was only credited as a federal holiday last year. So, for any Black person wanting to take time to celebrate, they needed to use their own holiday time to do so. This shows how even though slavery ended, it didn’t mean equality for all and we still face social inequalities to this day.

Picture of Ladell smiling with the Auroch logo in the top right corner

What does Juneteenth mean to me?
Ladell - They/She

As a Black non-binary person, Juneteenth means being proud of who we are.

Emancipation is something that affects my family from close relatives to ancestors. I celebrate it each year with my family and friends to celebrate the people we have lost but also where we have got to today.

It helps me remember how strong African Americans are, plus how much pain Black people have suffered all over the globe.

It pushes me to strive for more people of colour in games, screaming their successes wherever they shine.

Image of Mary smiling with the Secret Mode logo in the top left corner

What does Juneteenth mean to me?

Mary - She/Her

It is the acknowledgment of freedom but also identify how much work we must do to ensure equality for all.

Coming from Nigeria from an early age to a completely different country, I had to learn how to adjust but also it was the first time I experienced racism.

It gives me the boost to hold onto my culture and my heritage and celebrate being Black any chance I can get.

Ways you can support:

Click here to visit the Bail Project
The Bail Project National Revolving Bail Fund is a critical tool to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system.
Click here to visit Color of Change
Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. They help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by 7 million members, they move decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America.
Buy Black Owned
The campaign aims to grow the Black economy by supporting Black Businesses. Black Pound Day is a call to action campaign which empowers people to contribute to a community – in order to create a better infrastructure for the next generation. First Saturday of each month.
Acknowledge Black feelings and emotions
Black people have yet to see acknowledgement. From social media, national news, and within the gaming world, there are a lot of triggers that affect Black people's emotions. Having a safe space to talk about them freely, allows for safe healing.

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