Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Since Juneteenth was designated a federal holiday in the United States in 2021, governors, mayors and CEOs of major companies have followed suit and given employees the day off as a paid holiday.
Juneteenth, recognized annually on June 19, marks the anniversary of the day federal troops liberated the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, in 1884. That day, nearly two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, is recognized as the effective end of slavery in the United States.
Related: 21 Inspiring Quotes From Black Leaders From Throughout American History
Juneteenth is the first new federal holiday since 1983, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day being the last to be instituted.
When is Juneteenth recognized in 2024?
Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Who gets Juneteenth off as a paid holiday?
Juneteenth is now one of 11 federal holidays, joining Christmas and the Fourth of July. Federal organizations such as banks and public schools observe these holidays by giving employees the day off.
State vs. national regulations
Although Juneteenth was officially designated a federal holiday by the Biden administration in 2021, certain states and cities abide by their own regulations, with some having recognized the day as a state holiday well before 2021. New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, Delaware, and Texas had all previously made Juneteenth a state holiday. When a holiday is recognized at the state level, all government employees and programs have the day off to observe. Private businesses and organizations determine their schedules.
Related: Here’s How Business Leaders Are Responding to the George Floyd Protests
These major companies have announced Juneteenth an annual company holiday
Big-name companies like Nike, Target and Best Buy are observing the day with either time off or extra pay.
Nike announced in 2020 that it would be recognizing Juneteenth as a paid federal holiday for all its U.S. and Puerto Rican employees. “Across our Nike, Converse, and Jordan family, we will close our corporate, retail, manufacturing and distribution operations in observance of Juneteenth to provide educational opportunities that honor Black history and culture,” said Nike director of communications for North America Jenna Golden in an email to NPR.
Ride-sharing app Lyft is honoring Juneteenth as a paid company holiday for all corporate employees. However, the policy doesn’t apply to Lyft drivers, who are independent contractors.
Related: More Companies Have Designated Juneteenth a Paid Holiday (Updated)
Zillow is also giving employees the day off for Juneteenth. “As part of our ongoing commitment to racial equality, Zillow observes Juneteenth as a paid company holiday, and encourages employees to take the day for reflection, volunteerism, education, and activism to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S.,” Zillow vice president Kristina Adamski said in a statement.
Tech companies like Google have joined in making Juneteenth a paid company holiday. Google also hosted a company-wide “Juneteenth Day of Learning” prior to the day off in years past.
Certain retail corporations, such as Target and Starbucks, have opted to stay open but will pay employees time-and-a-half on Juneteenth.
Related: Walmart Juneteenth Ice Cream: Retailer Pulls Flavor From Shelves Amid Major Backlash
Amazon, meanwhile, has not yet made Juneteenth a company holiday but reportedly adopted an “anti-meeting approach” to the day and is offering a range of “online learning opportunities.”
Are the stock markets closed on Juneteenth?
The U.S. stock markets are closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Is the Post Office open?
U.S. Post Offices are closed and there are no business or residential USPS mail deliveries on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. However, reps told USA Today that Priority Mail Express is delivered every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays.
Are banks closed on Juneteenth?
As with most other government operations, banks are closed for Juneteenth.
Are grocery stores open on Juneteenth?
Most grocery stores and retailers, including Costco, Walmart, Target and Starbucks, are open on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
