The Structured Finance Association (SFA) today released the following statement commemorating Juneteenth.

 

“Today, the Structured Finance Association observed Juneteenth, the day 156 years ago when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure that all enslaved people be freed. We applaud Congress and President Biden, who yesterday signed a bill establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, the 12th federal holiday and first new one created since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was signed into law in 1983.

 

“Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, but we recognize that we still have much to do in the fight for equality. This Juneteenth, we reflect on the racial inequality in our communities and society and reckon with the history of slavery, its impact on our community, and our role in addressing change. As we seek to hold ourselves as an organization accountable for real change, our commitment and mission is to continue to foster meaningful opportunities to enhance representation, impact, and exposure of diversity within the structured finance industry.

 

“We hope you will join us as we reflect on how we can listen, support, and better understand the Black community. Today is a day for celebration, but also for learning, self-assessment, and planning equitable change for the future as we seek progress together.”