Organizations have given employees a paid day off for Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865 – on which slavery in the United States was ended. The NFL and its teams led the movement with nearly all organizations making it an observed paid holiday; the results were less consistent across other leagues.
Companies across the country, including Nike and Twitter, also have made June 19 a paid holiday.
More Juneteenth Initiatives:
- The Seattle Mariners, with an MLB-leading 10 African-American players on their roster, will host a panel on the team’s YouTube channel.
- Along with giving employees the day off, the Los Angeles Rams will reimburse employees for lunches at Black-owned restaurants.
- The New York Knicks and Rangers hosted a youth symposium on Thursday led by former Knicks player Allan Houston.
- While other Dallas area teams gave employees the day off, the Texas Rangers will use the day to educate their staff on the importance of the date.
- LAFC advocated making the date a federal holiday.
