Honoring Juneteenth with the Journey to Equity Excellence art exhibition
This coming Sunday marks the 157th celebration of Juneteenth, a poignant holiday that represents freedom from oppression and hope for the future. On June 19, 1865, roughly a quarter-million enslaved people in Galveston, TX were finally set free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Today, more than 150 years after the last enslaved people in the Confederacy took their first breath of freedom, we have seen significant progress from the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s to present day. Yet there is still much to be done to truly achieve a nation that consistently upholds inclusion, diversity, and equity for all.
This weekend is an opportunity to be intentional in the ways we can embrace and practice respect and inclusion. Juneteenth is a time to volunteer and give back to our communities. It is also a time of celebration and deep reflection on our complex yet powerful history, the journey of progress, and a promise for a better tomorrow.
Journey to Equity Excellence Art Exhibition
In honor of Juneteenth and with the commitment to foster inclusion, diversity, and equity, Leidos sponsored and organized the Ted T. Ellis “Journey to Equity Excellence” art exhibit at Global Headquarters in Reston, Va.
Throughout the month of June, employees and visitors are invited to explore the unique artwork of Ellis, one of the most renowned and impactful African American artists of his time. The exhibit showcases, in 17 beautiful paintings, key historical milestones and challenges faced by African Americans throughout their ongoing journey for equity and social justice. Before the exhibit at Leidos, his artwork was displayed at the Rosenberg Library “Juneteenth Champions Museum Pop-Up” in Galveston, TX.
Ellis is a trained chemist, a U.S. Army veteran, and Museum Director of the Southern University at New Orleans Museum of Art. His powerful paintings invoke a deep emotional response and uplifting message of faith, perseverance, and hope. His art has also been exhibited at Smithsonian-sponsored events.
Let’s continue to engage in meaningful dialogues that build relationships, increase awareness, empathy, and understanding. We remain committed to creating safe and respectful spaces that celebrate the differences and similarities of our diverse workforce that truly make Leidos a great place to work.
Inclusion is all of us. Everyone. Every day.
For those unable to visit the exhibit in person, I invite you to explore photos of his pieces below.
