Fundsters are among those publicly celebrating Juneteenth and racial equality in the United States, even as Black Lives Matter protests continue across the country. Here are a few takes from across the asset management industry.

Robin Cheriakalath John Eventide Asset Management, LLC CEO

Andrew Arnott, president and CEO of John Hancock Investments, posted an article today, accompanied by the caption: "It's been said that Juneteenth is a moment to remember the shining promise of emancipation. In observance of the holiday this year, we celebrate the present opportunity to honor that promise with lasting, systemic change."

Kunal Kapoor, CEO of Morningstar, wrote today on Commemorating Juneteenth with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Morningstar.

"While I still believe that we have been taking positive steps on these fronts as an employer, I now also believe that the pace and the intentionality of our work demands a broader scope and a higher intensity," Kapoor wrote. "We need to use our platform in ways, perhaps, that we had not previously considered."

Robin Cheriakalath John, CEO of Eventide Asset Management, shared an email to staff. In it, he wrote, "We promote at Eventide that we respect the value, dignity, and freedom of all people and that we have a concern for justice and peace."

The team at Natixis Investment Managers posted a note from research and development unit and global diversity steering committee member Victor Howell, who said, "Now is the time for truth, reconciliation and the acknowledgement of Black American History as America's History."

Marty Flanagan, president and CEO of Invesco, posted yesterday that: "Many of us at Invesco, including myself, are taking tomorrow as a day of observance, reflecting deeply on the topic of racial inequality, adding our voices to the Black Lives Matter movement and advocating for greater change. I encourage everyone to take part and stay committed to the important work of creating equality."

The team at the NICSA Diversity Project North America posted to highlight three ways to show support and solidarity: one for individuals, one for allies, and one for businesses. The caption reads, "The timing of this year's Juneteenth allows an opportunity, now more than ever, to be an ally within our workplaces and communities."

The team at DWS Group shared a simple photo post captioned, "Happy Juneteenth: Freedom day. A day of remembrance and celebration."

June 19, otherwise known as Juneteenth, marks the day in 1865 where Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform the enslaved people there that the Civil War had ended and they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. 

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