18 Jun UTC’s Osiene-Riggs Issues Statement Reflecting Upon the Juneteenth Federal Holiday
Washington—June 18, 2021—Utilities Technology Council President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs issued the following statement in recognition of Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday:
“On this historic first official Juneteenth holiday, I encourage all Americans to use this day as one of remembrance, reflection, and education. Juneteenth is both joyous and tragic occasion. Joyous in that the enslaved African-Americans were finally freed, but tragic because of the generations of enslaved peoples who suffered and toiled against their will.
“In many ways, the story of Juneteenth is a parable for today. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it was two long years before the Civil War ended and word of President Lincoln’s order made its way across the entire South. Similarly today, our country is still reeling from the original sin of slavery. While we have made tremendous progress, we continue to have much healing to do.
“It is my hope that beginning today, we can reflect on how far we have come, and how far we have to go.”
–Sheryl Osiene-Riggs, President & CEO, Utilities Technology Council
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About UTC
The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: UTC.org
