June 18, 2020
Willkie will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth commemorates the day on which a Union general informed slaves in Galveston, Texas that the Civil War had ended and all slaves in the state were free. The declaration was made two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. While we know this is a day of celebration, in light of the racial injustice we continue to witness, we are encouraging all firm employees to take some time to reflect.
We are hopeful that positive change will come out of the recent tragic events and that they will give rise to greater acknowledgement, sensitivity and action on the issues of racial injustice and diversity and inclusion. We are committed to continuing to have open dialogue and working individually, and together as a Firm, to help bring about this change.