From Nike to Target, dozens of companies are for the first time commemorating June 19, the effective end of American slavery, but the differences in how are stark.
Some, like J.C. Penney and Spotify Technology are giving a paid day off. JPMorgan Chase will close its bank branches early, while Bank of America and Citigroup told staffers they can take a personal day, something they can request any day of the year. Automakers General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are observing a moment of silence. The corporate response to Juneteenth comes after the killing of George Floyd sparked worldwide protests and shows how companies want to be seen as agents of change during a fraught moment.
