Residents in the town of Millinocket, Maine, say they are outraged and disappointed after a local insurance agency displayed a racist sign remarking on the Juneteenth holiday. Progressive and Allstate are terminating their relationships with the agency, according to representatives of the insurance companies.

“Juneteenth ~it’s whatever… We’re closed. Enjoy your fried chicken & collard greens,” the sign stated in a large font. It was taped to the front of Harry E. Reed Insurance Agency in Millinocket on Monday. {snip}

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A racist Juneteenth sign at a Maine insurance agency sparks backlash online https://t.co/PZS8lZ7nkKpic.twitter.com/jlwrGrvXIl

— 88.5 WFDD (@885wfdd) June 22, 2022

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Progressive spokesperson Jeff Sibel wrote in an email that the company is “aware and appalled by the sign” and that it is terminating its relationship with the agency.

“At Progressive, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our Core Values. We’re committed to creating an environment where our people feel welcomed, valued and respected and expect that anyone representing Progressive to take part in this commitment,” Sibel wrote. “The sign is in direct violation of that commitment and doesn’t align with our company’s Core Values and Code of Conduct.”

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Steve Golieb, chair of the Millinocket Town Council, released a statement on Tuesday regarding the incident:

“It is deeply saddening, disgraceful and unacceptable for any person, business, or organization to attempt to make light of Juneteenth and what it represents for millions of slaves and their living descendants,” Golieb said in his statement. “There is no place in the Town of Millinocket for such a blatant disregard of human decency.”

Allstate said in a statement to NPR on Wednesday: “We are terminating our contract with this independent agent. Our commitment to Inclusive Diversity and Equity is non-negotiable and we take action when individuals violate our code of conduct.”

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