06/19/2026
A Message from Our CEO in Recognition of Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, years after the Civil War had ended. It’s a powerful moment in history that reminds us both how far we’ve come and how slowly justice can move. For me, Juneteenth is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. It is a celebration of freedom and the resilience of those who endured the unimaginable. It is a reminder that freedom has not always been equal or immediate. And it is a call to continue the work to expand opportunity and fairness for all.
As Nelson Mandela said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” And as Desmond Tutu reminded us, “We can only be human together.”
Today is not just about remembering, it is about what we do next. Take a moment to reflect on what freedom means to you. Look for ways, big or small, to stand up for what is right.
And help create communities where everyone feels respected, included, and able to thrive.
At McGrath, this is part of the standard we strive to live every day, in how we support one another, serve our customers, and show up in our communities. We’ve made progress, but there is still work to do. And together, we can make a difference.
— Phil Hawkins, CEO
