United States President Joe Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday on Thursday, and now companies are reacting to it.
Juneteenth — a day often used to celebrate the end of slavery in the U.S. — became a federal holiday when he signed a bill that had previously been approved by Congress.
- “Throughout history, Juneteenth has been known by many names: Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day and today, a national holiday,” Vice President Kamala Harris said during remarks at the White House on Thursday.
- “When we establish a national holiday, it makes an important statement,” she continued. “National holidays are something important. These are days when we as a nation have decided to stop and take stock, and often, to acknowledge our history.”
Since June 19 is on a Saturday, most federal employees will get Friday off now, The Washington Post reports.
There are other businesses across the country that will offer the day off, according to USA Today:
- Best Buy will recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. Anyone who works on that day will receive time-and-a-half at the Best Buy stores.
- Target will recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. Employees who work at the store will get time-and-a-half.
- T-Mobile has made Juneteenth as a paid company holiday.
- Yelp will make the day a holiday with pay.
- Home Depot will have a number of events to celebrate the holiday. There will also be a virtual event for employees.
- Lyft will give employees the day off.
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You can read a full list of businesses and their plans over at USA Today.