A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer - June 2022

At LifeBridge Health, we embrace diversity, and these monthly Diversity messages are meant to recognize and celebrate the richness of our team members' cultures and that of our country. We celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for our communities together. 

June is Pride month, dedicated to the celebration of gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, bisexual, non-binary and intersex individuals and communities. Originating from the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, Pride month is firmly rooted in a history of resistance against the oppression of LGBTQI+ communities and is a time during which members of these communities not only celebrate their authentic identities and cultures, but also honor the many individuals who have been lost in the struggle and reflect on the progress that still needs to be made. This year, LifeBridge Health will be represented at Baltimore City's Pride Parade on Saturday, June 25 and Westminster Pride on Saturday, July 9. 

On June 2, 1924, the Indigenous people of the United States were granted full U.S. citizenship with the passing of the Indian Citizenship Act. The act did not, however, grant native people the right to vote, and members of the Indigenous population, comprised of numerous tribes, cultures, and traditions, continued to face discrimination by the government which occupied their native lands. While native people were eventually given the right to vote in 1958, this right is still under siege in many parts of the country, where native communities are subject to various forms of voter suppression, as well as other forms of discrimination. On June 2, we honor and remember the proud, enduring history and heritage of America's indigenous peoples. 

 June 14 is Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States in 1777. In 1814, the flag was flown over our very own Fort McHenry during a British naval bombardment, inspiring Francis Scott Key to compose the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner." For many, the American flag is a symbol of the country's history and ideals.

June 19 is celebrated as Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day). It is the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform nearly 250,000 slaves there that they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the end of the Civil War. For many African Americans, June 19 has become the addendum to the U.S.'s national Independence Day because it commemorates African Americans' freedom. In recent years, particularly in the wake of recent acts of racism and discrimination against African Americans in our nation, Juneteenth has gained new significance and has begun to see broader recognition.  In 2021, Juneteenth was officially designated a federal holiday. Traditions to celebrate Juneteenth typically include families and friends gathering for a meal, parades and musical performances.

Summer Solstice or the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere arrives on June 21 this year. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year, on which the sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. Events are held around the globe in honor of the summer solstice, particularly in Northern Europe, where celebrations include dancing around maypoles in Sweden and Finland, watching the sun rise at Stonehenge in England, and more. In Canada, summer solstice is marked with festivals celebration the nation's Indigenous peoples. Summer Solstice holds deep significance for Neopagans, Wiccans and New Agers as the celebration of midsummer. Whatever your plans are this season, we wish you and your family a safe and healthy summer.

For more information about our LGBTQ+, Black Culture and other Employee Resource Groups, please click here. 

Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our LifeBridge Health values.