Google Earth view of the Reed Agency in Millinoket, Maine.
Google Earth
An insurance agency in Millinoket, Maine, is facing backlash online after a photo posted on Facebook of a sign taped to a business door on Monday said, “Junteenth~ It’s anything… we’re closed.” .Enjoy your fried chicken and collard greens.”
Signature image of Harry E. Reid Insurance Agency affiliated with National Insurer progressivebasically . was shared by A Facebook user named Elura Stillwagen, with the caption “Racism in Millinoket is real.” The original post has been shared over 100 times.
“I’m not angry. Anger doesn’t get you anywhere. I’m just deeply, deeply disappointed,” Another Facebook user Ken Anderson commented on the post., “In this business, in the companies that let this business broker their products, and in the city of Millinoket, in the state of Maine, and all over the country. Very disappointed. Why? Because I know we can do better.” But we’re not trying. And that’s the part that cuts the deepest.”
For many businesses, Monday marked the observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrated on June 19, 1865, when Union Army soldiers arrived in Texas and announced the end of slavery of more than 250,000 black people, remained slaves even after the signing. Proclamation in 1863, According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Ever since the sign’s image started circulating online, people have taken to the online review site. bark To censure the insurance agency Yelp to disable users ability To post on the company’s page.
The alert page on Harry E. Reed Insurance Agency’s Yelp reads. “While racism has no place on Yelp and we categorically disapprove of racism or discrimination in any form, all reviews on Yelp must reflect the actual consumer experience (even if it means reflecting users’ perspectives). disabling the ability to express we can agree with).”
The agency received nearly 90 — roughly one-star — Yelp reviews, with many posters condemning the insurance agency as “racist.”
Progressive spokesman Jeff Siebel said in a statement: “We are aware and shocked by the recently posted sign that Harry E. Reid at the agency is terminating our relationship with the agency.”
“At Progressive, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our core values. We are committed to creating an environment where our people feel welcome, valued and respected and look forward to participating in this commitment.” Any person representing Progressive for. Sign is a direct violation of that commitment and does not align with our company’s core values and code of conduct,” Siebel said in a statement.
Steve Golieb, President of the Millinoketes Town Council, issued a statement on Tuesday signal condemnation.
“It is deeply saddened, shameful and unacceptable for any individual, business or organization to attempt to bring to light Juneteenth and what it represents for millions of slaves and their surviving descendants,” Golieb said. “There is no place in the city of Millinoket for such a blatant disregard for human decency.”
The insurance agency did not respond to requests for comment.
President Joe Biden and status Main each signed bill Recognizing Juneteenth as a federal and state holiday in law in June 2021.