Target is recognizing Juneteenth as an official paid holiday.
Brian Cornell, the CEO and Chairman of Target said in a statement, “We recognize that the racial trauma the country is experiencing now is not new, but throughout recent weeks there has been a sense that this time is, and has to be different,” he continued. “Juneteenth takes on additional significance in this moment.”
.@Target is proud to recognize Juneteenth as an official annual company holiday. Hourly team members scheduled to work that day will be paid holiday premium pay as stores + DCs remain open. U.S. HQ locations are closed in observance. Click for details: https://t.co/Nlz0FHIifc pic.twitter.com/oZKjfldpbr
— Target News (@TargetNews) June 16, 2020
The company will give its employees either time and a half or paid day off. Target joins other corporations and organizations such as the NFL, Twitter, and Nike in observing the day.
June 19, 1865, also known as Juneteenth, was the day that slavery was officially made illegal in the United States.
Target will also donate 10M towards the advancement of social justice.