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Honoring Juneteenth Is a Call to Action!
June 14, 2025, Jasmin Robinson
This year, celebrating Juneteenth requires a deeper examination of the historical barriers Black communities have faced in accessing pet services, shelter leadership, and veterinary care
Juneteenth continues to mark a pivotal moment in U.S. history—it’s the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. However, while the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in 1863, it took two and a half years to be fully recognized in the United States, culminating on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. This reality speaks to the ongoing challenges Black people continue to face in our nation. Enough is enough.
As we commemorate this day, the animal welfare profession must reflect on how the legacy of racial injustice continues to shape access, equity, and representation within our field. Amid a sociopolitical climate where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are increasingly under attack, recognizing Juneteenth is not just about celebration—it’s a call to action.
In recent months, the anti-DEI sentiment has gained momentum, creating real challenges for all professionals seeking to center equity in their work. In this context, celebrating Juneteenth shouldn’t stop at uplifting the contributions of Black animal welfare professionals for one day (or 28 days in February). Rather, it requires a deeper examination of the historical barriers Black communities have faced in accessing pet services, shelter leadership, and veterinary care. It also means investing in long-term strategies that support Black-led organizations, equitable hiring and retention practices, and culturally responsive services for racially minoritized communities.
This Juneteenth, I encourage everyone to recommit to the liberation of Black communities, and by extension, the animals we all love and care for.
In Strength, Community, and Solidarity,
Jasmin M. Robinson (she/her)
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Photo: Thomas Wilson
About Jasmin Robinson
As Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives with The Association, Jasmin Robinson is part of the team working on DEI in animal welfare spaces. Jasmin is a consultant, educator, and equity thought partner with over 12 years of professional experience. She primarily supports higher education institutions, k-12 schools, and nonprofit organizations with diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic planning, program development, trainings, and facilitation. Jasmin is a certified qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, LLC. In addition, she is a member of the Illinois Diversity Council (ILDC), Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE). Jasmin is completing a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, and her research interest include Black women experiences in historically white spaces, anti-Blackness, and cultural competence. In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys cooking, walking, thrifting, and brunch spots in the Chicagoland area.
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