Sports Leagues’ Responses to Juneteenth and Pride Month

Social media accounts for major professional sports leagues in America recognized the federal Juneteenth holiday, commemorating the liberation of Black enslaved people. This contrasts with how these leagues approached the start of Pride Month. The NFL, known as the country’s most successful professional league, marked Juneteenth through social media, reposting various teams’ observance of the day.

Juneteenth acknowledgment came following the NFL’s silence during Pride Month’s June 1 start. The NFL’s X account and Instagram did not mention Pride Month, despite having millions of followers. During a baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres on June 19, 2023, a Juneteenth message appeared on the videoboard.

Contrasting Silence

Notably, all NFL franchises except the Detroit Lions acknowledged Juneteenth. However, when Pride Month began, several teams chose not to celebrate. These teams included the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and others. Many of these clubs also bypassed Pride Month celebrations the previous year.

The Detroit Lions stood alone in not recognizing Juneteenth, surprising given their typical support for social justice causes. The Lions had featured a Pride Month logo change, painting their emblem in rainbow colors to honor the LGBTQ community.

League Observances

On Juneteenth, while the NFL celebrated, NHL social media accounts remained silent. This made the NHL the only major league not acknowledging the holiday, as the NBA and MLB joined the NFL in celebration. On the other hand, although the NHL supported Pride Month, the Texas Rangers in MLB hold no Pride events but acknowledged Juneteenth.

Understanding the Impact

Fans increasingly care about where sports teams stand on social justice issues, which affects their support depending on alignment with personal viewpoints.

By engaging in social causes, sports teams have moved beyond sticking primarily to sports. Their chosen celebrations or omissions make statements either way.

Historical Context

Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 when Union Army Major General Gordon Granger announced to Texan enslaved individuals their freedom per the Emancipation Proclamation. This announcement preceded the full legal abolition of slavery, achieved when Congress passed the 13th Amendment in January 1865. The amendment saw support from 86 Republican votes and 15 Democratic votes, ratifying the amendment in December 1865.

President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021, following President Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign efforts to institute the holiday.

Ultimately, some teams like the NHL and the Detroit Lions remain unaware of the holiday’s importance.