We opt to close on Juneteenth, which is only natural for our organization. We celebrate diversity and inclusion. And just as importantly, we are a learning organization which means, in part, we are always trying to learn for our past so we can do better in the future.
At a time when the idea of diversity and inclusion is questioned, when many want us to turn our eyes away from painful episodes in our history, we think it is all the more important to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is one day in our nation’s long and challenging path toward freedom. On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally told of their emancipation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. But slavery is not just a southern institution. We live and work on Long Island where slavery was legal until 1827 and there were more enslaved people on Long Island than anywhere else in the Northeast.
At John’s Crazy Socks, we close on Juneteenth not just to mark a day in history, but to reflect on what it means for our future. We pause our work to recognize the fight for equality that continues today. In a time when conversations about race, history, and inclusion are being silenced or challenged, we believe it is more important than ever to speak clearly: Juneteenth matters.
It is a day to remember that the promises of freedom and equality are not automatic; they are earned through struggle, persistence, and a willingness to confront hard truths. Juneteenth calls us to honor the strength of those who were enslaved, to celebrate the joy of liberation, and to commit to a more inclusive tomorrow.
Juneteenth and Our Mission
John’s Crazy Socks is built on the mission of Spreading Happiness,but real happiness is rooted in justice, dignity, and belonging. That means creating a workplace where everyone is welcome and has the opportunity to thrive. It means listening to the stories that shaped this country, even when they’re uncomfortable. It means acknowledging that the work of inclusion is never done.
As a company, we know the sting of exclusion. Our co-founder, John, has Down syndrome. Many of our colleagues have differing abilities. We have felt what it means to be left out, overlooked, or underestimated. And we have seen firsthand the power of being seen, heard, and valued.
That is why we’ve built our business around inclusive hiring. We don’t hire people out of charity. We hire them because they are capable, driven, and make our business better. We’ve seen that diversity is a strength.
Inclusion Is a Choice—and a Commitment
Closing on Juneteenth is one way we live out that commitment. It is a time to reflect and recommit. It is a way of saying to our employees, our customers, and our community: You belong here. Your history matters. Your voice matters.
And for us, Juneteenth isn’t just about the past. It’s about the present fight for equity in education, housing, employment, and justice. It’s about the future we want to build—a future where no one is left waiting for their freedom to be recognized.
So we close our doors today. Not for a vacation. Not for optics. But for purpose.
