In recognition of Juneteenth, a message from Chief Executive Brian Helleland

Today our country celebrates Juneteenth, a holiday that recognizes the official end of slavery. Freedom Day, as it’s known to many, came two years after the federal proclamation from President Abraham Lincoln and months after the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery – it came late.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a hero of mine. His work to end segregation came decades after Juneteenth, but he understood that the progress he sought would be slow, challenging work.

In a speech in 1967, Dr. King said: “But we must see that the struggle today is much more difficult. It’s more difficult today because we are struggling now for genuine equality, and it’s much easier to integrate a lunch counter than it is to guarantee a livable income and a good, solid job.”

His remarks are a reminder that we have much work left to do to ensure equal opportunity for all. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom that required more effort to ensure. And it reminds us that our work is not yet done, in fact it is our responsibility to continue this legacy to create a future that lives up to our country’s values of liberty and justice for all.

Wishing you all a joyful and reflective Juneteenth.

Brian Helleland
Chief Executive Providence St. Joseph Hospital
Chief Executive Orange County/High Desert, South Division