Juneteenth recognizes the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, more than two full years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is recognizing and celebrating the holiday in several ways with its associates and in the communities it serves.
In a video shared with associates, several Independence leaders discussed the importance of Juneteenth and how we can all honor its values.
The video is introduced by Kortney Cruz, senior vice president of Government Markets, and Nicole Gold, vice president of Operations – Customer Experience and Client Set-up, who are the executive sponsors of the associate resource group iLEAD (Inspiring, Lifting, and Empowering the African Diaspora). Other video participants include:
- Peter Jones, director of Enterprise Learning and Development;
- Lisa Liburd, director of Clinical Pharmacy;
- Melvin Moore, director of Reporting and Analytics; and
- Seun Ross, Ph.D., executive director of Health Equity.
In addition, iLEAD planned two educational events for associates focusing on financial well-being. The programming acknowledges the history of financial inequities faced by many people of African descent and provides strategies for taking ownership of your financial future.
Celebrating in the Community
Independence Blue Cross is also supporting Juneteenth observances throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
Independence is sponsoring free admission to the Charles L. Blockson Exhibition of African American history at the Centre Theater in Norristown from June 17-19. Tickets, which do not require reservations, also include admission to a traveling photo exhibit called the John Mosley Chicken Bone Beach Collection. Blockson, born in Norristown in 1933, is world-renowned for his expertise in Black genealogy and the Underground Railroad. His collection of rare materials documents the story of African Americans.
Independence is again a sponsor of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival on June 18, the largest annual celebration of Juneteenth in the nation. Lorina Marshall-Blake, vice president of Community Affairs and president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, will provide remarks at the event.
For the fifth consecutive year, Independence is the official Health and Wellness sponsor of Philadelphia’s annual Wawa Welcome America Festival. This year’s festival will begin on June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth. The festival’s Juneteenth celebration includes a Block Party and Free Museum Day. The all-day, family-friendly event at the African American Museum of Philadelphia features a performance by legendary DJ Spinderella.
Lastly, the company is recognizing the significance of Juneteenth by changing the building lights at its Market Street headquarters to red, black, and green.