Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Each year on this important day in the history of our country, we encourage our Jones Walker family and beyond to use the day for reflection and education. To commemorate this day, our firm is making donations to the following organizations to support these important institutions in our geographic footprint:

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Atlanta
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Houston Museum of African American Culture
• Mississippi Center for Justice
• New Orleans African American Museum

We value and celebrate diversity, and we continue to support and work alongside several organizations, including those listed above, that promote racial equality, social justice, and education, and offer legal services to those in need. It is a priority for our law firm to make sure that every employee — no matter their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or social, or economic background — participates as an equal member of our team. We realize that donations and sponsorships are only the start of progress and that it is our responsibility as a firm to encourage open and ongoing dialogue at all levels and across the communities we serve to address issues that our Black colleagues and citizens in our communities face on a daily basis.

Jones Walker remains committed to listening, learning, and creating positive change. We know that we are stronger when we are united and when we listen to one another and focus on respect, acceptance, empathy, and understanding. Together we can continue to evoke the change that is needed in our communities and our country.

Juneteenth is an important day in our nation’s history, and we encourage everyone in the Jones Walker community and beyond to consider commemorating this day by supporting your local community through service, learning, and reflection.

      Bill Hines                                                    Richard Cortizas
      Managing Partner                                      Chief Diversity Officer