Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a powerful reminder that the fight for justice and equality is not just history—it’s ongoing.

This year, thanks to the advocacy of WSNA nurses, Juneteenth is now a paid holiday for all WSNA-represented nurses at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. This victory was the direct result of sustained organizing and a firm belief that recognizing this day matters—not just in symbolism, but in practice.

At WSNA, we believe that honoring Juneteenth means more than a calendar acknowledgment. It means reflecting on our nation’s past, uplifting Black voices, and committing ourselves to anti-racism in our workplace and beyond.

To celebrate this historic day, the WSNA Racial Justice Committee will be hosting an ice cream celebration for all staff:

Wednesday, June 19
1100–1300 | I Street
1830–2130 | Dining Room 1 and 2

Come grab a scoop, connect with your coworkers, and honor this day together.

We’re proud of the work we’ve done to win Juneteenth as a paid holiday—and we know this is only one step toward justice. Let’s keep walking that path together.

In solidarity,

Carina Price, Co-Chair
Jessica Lenczycki, Co-Chair
Shannon Suchland, Secretary
Matthew McGuire, Treasurer
Yunna Flenord, Grievance Officer
Kat Jabasa, Grievance Officer
Teresa Kindell, Membership Coordinator
Kate Frazier, Social Media Officer