June 19th — Juneteenth, Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day — is a day that embodies the struggle for equality in the United States. Although slavery was outlawed in 1862 through the Emancipation Proclamation, it wasn’t until June 19th of 1865 that enslaved people in Texas were finally freed. This day is one for celebration but also a reminder that no one is free until we all are. The past year has been very trying for a multitude of reasons, ranging from a global pandemic to continued issues with police brutality.
As designers, we can’t fix all the problems in the world, but we can do our part to ensure that whatever we put into the built environment gives everyone a bit more freedom, safety, and joy. On this Freedom Day, the KPF community celebrates the African Americans who have fought for freedom, and we are committed to doing our part in designing a free world. – KPF Public