Juneteenth blends June and nineteenth to represent the oldest celebration of freedom from enslavement in the United States. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth embodies two values quite familiar to all of Electronic Arts: Passion and Determination. When we think about the journey to liberation, both passion and determination were at the center of the communities and work that inspired this incredible moment of hope for millions. In our journey to equity and inclusion and in our ongoing commitment to racial and social justice, we will use the foundation of those values to carry us forward.
A year ago, we celebrated our inaugural Juneteenth event inspiring major impact with thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars (USD) in combined donations and giving programs to organizations working to end systemic racial injustice, fight discrimination, and protect human rights in the U.S. and around the world.
This year, in partnership with BEAT!, our Black Employee Resource Group, Electronic Arts has united our employees around the globe through the education of culture and history, advocacy for change, and a celebration of intersectionality.
Across June 17 and 18, employees were invited to engage in...
virtual volunteerism
exploration of learning
active advocacy
immersive workshops
community building
and more!
Our employees mentored underserved talent across the globe in partnership with ColabL, and spotlighted the importance of beauty and intersectionality through a fireside chat in partnership with our PRIDE, BEAT! And Women’s ultimate team ERGs featuring special guest speaker, Angelica Ross, Founder, and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises.
Across the globe, in partnership with BEAT, ASPIRE and SOMOS ERGs our teams examined the long history, multiple triumphs and struggles of the AAPI, Latinx and Black communities through interactive workshops.
We celebrated freedom and our journey to equity and inclusion with guest speakers, Dr. Torie Weiston-Serdan and Natasha Reid Rice, Vice President, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Habitat for Humanity International.
Within all this, employees had access to explore numerous resources with suggested outreach, content curated by Black writers and storytellers, and giving opportunities with 2:1 matching.
Does this internal celebration mean the work is done? Nope!
Will we continue to hold our leaders accountable? Always!
Are we committed to the journey? You better believe it!
While we are proud to reflect on the impact and celebration of an amazing event of learning and impact internally, we recognize the tremendous loss, disparity gaps and challenges our Black communities continue to experience each and every day. Allowing our employees to lean in, soak up education, and advocate for an inclusive and equitable future continues to be a work in progress, but a priority and a vision that we are fearlessly dedicated to.