Biden celebrates Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, at the White House
President Joe Biden hosted a massive concert on the South Lawn of the White House to commemorate Juneteenth, the countryโs newest federal holiday which the president said will โbreathe a new life in the very essence of America.โ.
โIt points to the futureโ: Local nonprofit to raise awareness with upcoming Juneteenth event
San Antonio non-profit Black Freedom Factory is on a mission to cultivate racial equity across the city. The organization plans to hold an event Thursday known as the Future is Freedom: Juneteenth celebration.
As campaign heats up, Trump woos Latino, Black voters
He courted Hispanic voters near Miami and Black voters in Atlanta. โThis is an unusual name for an organization whose ideology and tactics are right now destroying many Black lives,โ Trump charged. On Friday morning, at his golf club in Doral, Florida, Trump tried to blunt Bidenโs support among Hispanic voters at a โLatinos for Trumpโ roundtable. But a Monmouth University poll also conducted this month found Biden well ahead of Trump among Latino voters in the state, 58% to 32%. Hispanic voters in Florida tend to be somewhat more Republican-leaning than Hispanic voters nationwide because of the stateโs Cuban American population, which Trump acknowledged several times in his remarks.
Up next for police defunding advocates: Win local elections
A person holds up a sign advocating for defunding the police as people gather to mark Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2020, in St. Louis. An outgrowth of the Defund the Police movement, the WFP Justice Fund is led by the Working Families Party and the Movement for Black Lives Electoral Justice Project. The result, they said, would be a shift in local government budgets and public safety systems around the country. For example, in Chicago's 2019 elections, WFP helped increase the council's Progressive Caucus to 18 seats out of the 50 total. In Washington, D.C., city council candidate Janeese Lewis George, backed by the Working Families Party, toppled an incumbent Democrat on a defunding platform and is in line to claim the seat in November.
Facebook groups pivot to attacks on Black Lives Matter
FILE - In this June 19, 2020, file photo, protesters wear protective masks as they march after a Juneteenth rally outside the Brooklyn Museum, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. A loose network of Facebook groups that took root across the country in April to organize protests over coronavirus stay-at-home orders has become a hub of misinformation and conspiracies theories that have pivoted to a variety of new targets. Their latest: Black Lives Matter and the nationwide protests against racial injustice. (AP Photo/John Minchillo
'Lift Every Voice and Sing' hymn ignites hope across nation
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)LOS ANGELES The Black national anthem was born more than a century ago, but the popular hymn within the African American community called Lift Every Voice and Sing has resurrected a beacon of hope during nationwide protests. The NAACP dubbed Lift Every Voice and Sing as the Black national anthem in 1919. Sharpton said the ability of Lift Every Voice and Sing enduring several generations speaks volumes. The NFL will play Lift Every Voice and Sing" before each game during Week 1, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press. There's always been the controversy about race being involved in the national anthem.
2 dead, 7 wounded in shooting at North Carolina block party
CHARLOTTE, N.C. Two people were killed and seven others were wounded in an early Monday shooting in North Carolina's largest city, police said, while five others were hit by vehicles. The shooting happened at an impromptu block party" that was a continuation of Juneteenth celebrations, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Deputy Chief Johnny Jennings told reporters. Another victim was pronounced dead at a hospital; no further information about the second fatality was released. The conditions of the seven people wounded in the shooting weren't immediately clear. Juneteenth, for which celebrations started Friday, commemorates when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free 155 years ago.
Nicole Beharie Gets Candid About 'Sleepy Hollow' Exit
Years after her shocking exit from Sleepy Hollow, Nicole Beharie is opening up about the circumstances surrounding her departure. Sleepy Hollow returned for a fourth season without Beharie, but was ultimately cancelled. In an interview with the New York Timeswhile promoting her new film, Miss Juneteenth, Beharie admitted that she's shied away from speaking about her exit from Sleepy Hollow, saying, "I never wanted to talk about this until the resentment and bitterness was out of my system." Beharie in 'Miss Juneteenth.' RELATED CONTENT:Nicole Beharie on the Unexpected Timeliness of 'Miss Juneteenth''Sleepy Hollow': Abbie Gives Ichabod Dating Pointers!
Jason Mraz is donating all the earnings from his new album to Black Lives Matter and other groups
Jason Mraz is honoring Juneteenth by donating all of the profits from his new album to Black Lives Matter and other organizations working toward equality and justice. The two-time Grammy winner released "Look For The Good" on Friday, the same day that African-Americans celebrate the black community's emancipation from slavery in the United States. The self-proclaimed "Geek in the Pink" will immediately start by donating his $250,000 advance on royalties, he said in a news release. The first six organizations to receive a portion of his donation are Black Lives Matter, San Diego Young Artists Music Academy, RISE San Diego, Grassroots Law Project, Center on Policy Initiatives, and the Equal Justice Initiative. Every year, the artist will choose various organizations that work on advancing โequality and justiceโ to receive donations from the albumโs profits.
DC protesters pull down, burn statue of Confederate general
President Donald Trump quickly tweeted about the toppling, calling out D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and writing: The DC police are not doing their job as they watched a statue be ripped down and burn. After the statue fell, most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House. The Pike statue has been a source of controversy over the years. The former Confederate general was also a longtime influential leader of the Freemasons, who revere Pike and who paid for the statue. Ever since 1992, members of the DC Council have been calling on the federal govt to remove the statue of Confederate Albert Pike (a federal memorial on federal land).
KSAT Q&A: History of Juneteenth in the U.S.
San Antonio Carey Latimore, associate professor and historian at Trinity University, talked with KSATs Steve Spriester and Myra Arthur about the history of Juneteenth as a holiday in America. Related: Google joins nationwide celebration of JuneteenthFrom then on, formerly enslaved people celebrated June 19 as Juneteenth, marking their freedom. Latimore said that Juneteenth ebbs and flows in popularity, but American people are identifying with the holiday because of peoples relationships with race and society. I think weve reached a point in our society that were starting to question our relationship with race and to question ways in which we really have a question, Latimore said. Do black lives matter in the same way as other lives?'
The Latest: Beyonc single benefits Black-owned businesses
The singer's website says the song released late Friday, June 19, 2020, will benefit black-owned small businesses. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)TOP OF THE HOUR: Beyonc releases new single to benefit Black-owned small businesses. Nevada officials renew proposal to remove statue of McCarran. ___LOS ANGELES Beyonc did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises in the form a new single called Black Parade.The singers website says the song released late Friday will benefit Black-owned small businesses. Make America great again give me the date that America was great for everybody, Sharpton said.
Minnesota ends special session without deal on policing
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)MINNEAPOLIS A special session of the Minnesota Legislature ended Saturday without agreement on remaking policing in the state where George Floyd was killed. I'm deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans ended the special session before our job was done," Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent tweeted. Were not walking away from Minnesota here, but I think we could all benefit from a breather, Gazelka said just before adjournment, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The special session was necessary for Democratic Gov. If Walz seeks to extend his emergency powers an additional 30 days, he's required to call another special session for July 12 to let lawmakers object.
Beyonc Drops Empowering 'Black Parade' Song in Celebration of Juneteenth -- Listen
The empowering track, titled "Black Parade," touches on the world's current events, as well as celebrates Black excellence. "'Black Parade' celebrates you, your voice and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses." Black joy is your right." Additionally, "Black Parade" benefits BeyGOOD's Black Business Impact Fund, administered by the National Urban League, to support Black-owned small businesses in need. On the "Love on Top" singer's website, fans are also redirected to a page with more information on the companies.
Witte Museum brings back โOde to Juneteenthโ play to rotation of theater performances
SAN ANTONIO โ The Witte Museum on Friday announced that the play โOde to Juneteenthโ will be brought back as part of the Gallery Theater performances that will be shown this fall. The play, written by nationally renowned playwright Eugene Lee, was first shown in 2018 as part of the Witteโs โConfluence and Culture: 300 Years of San Antonio Historyโ. The museum said they were bringing the play back in celebration of Juneteenth. According to a press release, โOde to Juneteenthโ follows Emancipation Jones, who begins the play by illuminating and commemorating Juneteenth in San Antonio by the reading of General Order No. The daily schedule of Gallery Theater and daily demonstrations can be found on both the Witteโs website and their app.
The Latest: Nevada officials seek removal of McCarran statue
A pedestrian passes a colorful painted tribute to George Floyd on a boarded-up business, Thursday, June 18, 2020 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)TOP OF THE HOUR:โ Nevada officials renew proposal to remove statue of McCarran. The organization said the letter was inspired by the recent protests against police brutality and systemic racism. St. Louis and its surrounding suburbs have been the site of dozens of marches in the nearly four weeks since the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. A small African American boy, marching with his mom, held a sign that read, โAm I next?โ___More news about the death of George Floyd at https://apnews.com/GeorgeFloyd
5 Things to Know for Today
Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, originated 155 years ago. (Stuart Villanueva/The Galveston County Daily News via AP, File)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. YOUNG IMMIGRANTS STILL FACE UNCERTAINTY The Supreme Court rejected Trumps effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, but activists say legislation giving them a path to U.S. citizenship remains elusive. SINGAPORE OPENS GYMS, DINING OUT The latest relaxation in the city-state comes as reopenings in many places around the world are touching off fresh spikes in coronavirus infections. BIDEN SEIZES ON BOLTON BOOK The Democrats top aides say Trump kowtowed to Xi Jinping and ignored human rights abuses while trying to get the Chinese presidents assistance with domestic politics.
This year, Juneteenth takes on new meaning for black Texans, as push to make holiday with Texas roots goes national
For the past three months, the coronavirus has disproportionately sickened and killed black Texans, and for the last month protesters have filled the streets marching for racial justice. Juneteenth is a celebration that honors the day black Texans learned of their emancipation from Union soldiers in Galveston on June 19, 1865. Bob Daemmrich/The Image WorksCrystal Aitaegbebhunu and her studio partners run through their choreography for a Juneteenth black empowerment video at Emancipation Park on June 15, 2020. Last: Crystal Aitaegbebhunu and her studio partners run through their choreography for a Juneteenth black empowerment video at Emancipation Park on June 15, 2020. For her five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, shell do an oral retelling of moments in black history, their family lineage and the meaning of Juneteenth.
Google joins nationwide celebration of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is capturing the attention of many across the nation and Google is also taking part in this years celebration. For this years Juneteenth celebration, Google has created several online projects that will commemorate the occasion. You can ask the devices questions such as, Hey Google, whats Juneteenth? or Hey Google, Happy Juneteenth, or even Hey Google, tell me a random word, and the device will respond with words such as microagression, prejudice and racialization, according to Google officials. Here are the other ways Google is celebrating Juneteenth:Google Arts & Culture and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History are debuting a and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History are debuting a new exhibit on the historical legacy of Juneteenth, according to Google officials. Tune in Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. for a livestream with Dr. Carey Latimore, a professor of African American Studies at Trinity University.
New solo version of Aretha song about race, faith released
NEW YORK A never-before-heard solo version of the late Aretha Franklins riveting and powerful collaboration with Mary J. Blige about faith and race, 2006s Never Gonna Break My Faith, has arrived on Juneteenth. Never Gonna Break My Faith resonates today, featuring lyrics like: You can lie to a child with a smiling face/Tell me that color aint about a race.The world is very different now. It deserves to be an anthem.Never Gonna Break My Faith won best gospel performance at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, marking Franklins 18th and final Grammy win. This solo version has been sitting on my computer for years, and when I heard Clive was making a film on Arethas life, I sent this version to him. Im so glad its being released, the world needs this right now.
Usher Advocates for Juneteenth to Become a National Holiday in Powerful Op-Ed
Usher is using his platform to talk about the importance of Juneteenth, specifically, why it should be recognized as an official national holiday. In an op-ed for The Washington Post published on Friday, Usher advocates to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. "Recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday would be a small gesture compared with the greater social needs of black people in America. On Friday, Usher urged his followers on Twitter to sign a Change.org petition to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Make Juneteenth A National Holiday!
Juneteenth march planned for San Antonio on East Side
SAN ANTONIO Local organizers have planned a Juneteenth march and rally in San Antonio to commemorate when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free in 1865. Demonstrators will march east down Martin Luther King Drive to the Freedom Bridge near MLK Park. Organizers say they are marching to make Juneteenth a federal holiday while remembering emancipation. According to the Associated Press, Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota are the only states without official recognition of the holiday. It is recognized in 47 states but is not yet a federal holiday.
More U.S. workers getting Juneteenth off as awareness grows
The date - June 19th - is not a federal holiday, and many non-black Americans have only recently become of aware of the day. Several of her employees are spending the day volunteering for the Juneteenth Freedom Phonebank, an initiative encouraging Census participation. Declaring the date a federal holiday would add considerable momentum, and there is growing support for the idea. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, introduced legislation Thursday to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. In contrast, 93% of employers close on Independence day, with similar rates for Labor Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
As seen on SA Live - Juneteenth - Freedom Friday, June 19, 2020
SAN ANTONIO Happy Freedom Friday! Today on SA Live, the history behind Juneteenth and what it means in our community with information from the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum. We revisit Jens interview with the Freedom Riders, who share their experience during the civil rights movement. Also, the San Antonio Public Library shares great reads for kids who want to learn about social injustice, acceptance and civil rights. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, your smart TV or your smartphone.
The history of Juneteenth, how San Antonio celebrates
SAN ANTONIO President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but it wasnt until June 19th, 1865, that Union soldiers landed at Galveston with news that the enslaved were free. Now that day, Juneteenth, is a nationally celebration commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Its a history of our lives and where we have come from, said friend of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAACAM) Charla Hutchens, and it reflects our joyousness of being free, to be a free person, to not be enslaved.There are some business people here in San Antonio on the East Side that organize a parade. It usually starts over on Houston Street past East Sam Houston High School, Susan Glosson, friend of SAACAM, said. You can find more information on how San Antonio is celebrating Juneteenth 2020 in this article.
Around sports world, Juneteenth celebrated like never before
Weve never posted about Juneteenth, but it is always the right time to do better than before," read a tweet posted by the New England Patriots. The Miami Heat celebrated the day with a pledge to make financial contributions and other commitments to organizations trying to eliminate racial inequality. Hockey's San Jose Sharks told fans that it was fine to not know where to start when it comes to understanding the significance of Juneteenth. In recognition of Juneteenth, our front office is starting a new tradition," read a statement on the Sharks' site. As an organization, we will be dedicating time on this day each year to actively participate in Juneteenth.
What to Stream This Weekend: 'Miss Juneteenth,' 'Love, Victor,' 'Dirty Dancing' and More
Celebrate Pride Month with Love, Victor, or watch different kinds of love stories unfold on Love Island U.K. MOVIES TO STREAMVertical EntertainmentMiss JuneteenthWhere to Stream: Miss Juneteenth is now available on VOD. A homegrown story for Peoples, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, Miss Juneteenth is a slow-burn tale of the resilience of a single mother, who looks to inspire her rebellious daughter to carry the torch as a Miss Juneteenth Scholarship winner. Where to Stream: Season 1 of Love, Victor is now available to stream on Hulu. RELATED CONTENT:What to Stream This Weekend: 'Artemis Fowl,' 'Love Life' and MoreWhat to Stream This Weekend: '13th,' 'American Son' and MoreWhat to Stream This Weekend Based on the Shows and Movies You Love
'Sherman's Showcase' Creators on Bringing a Moment of Levity With Their 'Spectacular' Special (Exclusive)
After an acclaimed first season, Shermans Showcase is back with a one-hour special, Black History Month Spectacular, premiering on Juneteenth. While not specifically about the events of June 19, Riddle tells ET that its debut couldn't be more timely. That's always been part of our history, Salahuddin says, promising that this special wont bring about any tears. There was a roll on the Spectacular, and I won't say which part, but we actually wanted somebody really bad. What those episodes will look like is still to be determined, but the special is something they enjoyed doing.
Juneteenth commissioner in San Antonio calling for policy changes in lieu of canceled events
That day of freedom, June 19, 1865, is now also known as Juneteenth, and has been celebrated richly ever since, especially in San Antonio. Juneteenth San Antonio Commissioner, Byron Miller has been in charge of celebrations in the Alamo City for the past 25 years. In earlier years, Miller said celebrations included cooking contests and family reunions for slaves who had been separated. Juneteenth 2020: Why the Holiday Is as Important as Ever This YearThe word eventually reached San Antonio, where in recent years, with Millers help, has hosted the largest Juneteenth celebration in the state. Miller said a good way to celebrate Juneteenth is to push policy makers to create legislation that focuses on the continued push for equality.
President Donald Trump says his actions made Juneteenth very famous
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump says he learned about the importance of Juneteenth from a black Secret Service agent and is taking credit for making the unofficial holiday very famous.Trump made the comments in a Wall Street Journal interview published Thursday. The president had planned to hold his first campaign rally since early March in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19. Those plans were changed after the date and location were criticized as insensitive to the country's history of racist violence. June 19, known as Juneteenth, is an unofficial holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. I did something good: I made Juneteenth very famous, Trump told the newspaper.
Juneteenth: A day of joy and pain - and now national action
In just about any other year, Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage, would be marked with a cookout, a parade, or a community festival. But Juneteenth 2020 will be a day of protest in may places Friday, June 19. The day is recognized in 47 states and the District of Columbia, according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees. So Juneteenth is a celebratory event but were not celebrating the country.
The history, relevancy of Juneteenth, a livestream with African American Studies professor Carey Lattimore
SAN ANTONIO Tune into KSAT.com on Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. for a livestream with Dr. Carey Lattimore, a professor of African American Studies at Trinity University. KSAT12 anchor Steve Spriester will interview Lattimore about race relations in the United States and San Antonio, and the historical importance of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery. "The History of Juneteenth and Emancipation: What Does it Mean Today"Join us for a conversation with Carey Latimore, IV, Ph.D., associate professor of history and past chair of the Department of History at Trinity University. How has Juneteenth been celebrated over time and why has it become a popular holiday among African Americans - even being referred to as the second Independence Day? As we experience a very rough period in our nation as we confront issues of systemic racism, what messages does Juneteenth have for our nation today?
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn will file bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday
Senator John Cornyn speaks to the press at the University of Texas at Austin tower in Austin on June 14, 2019. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneU.S. Sen. John Cornyn on Thursday afternoon announced that he will introduce bipartisan legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Cornyn is not the first Texas lawmaker to take similar steps toward celebrating Juneteenth a day commemorating the emancipation of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, introduced a resolution aiming to recognize the historical significance of the holiday. Earlier this week, a resolution from Cornyn honoring Juneteenth this year passed the U.S. Senate.
Nicole Beharie on the Unexpected Timeliness of 'Miss Juneteenth' (Exclusive)
It's a moment the cast and crew of Miss Juneteenth could never have anticipated. In the film, she stars as Turquoise, a former "Miss Juneteenth" pageant winner, whose victory lap and promising future were sidelined when she became a teenage mother shortly after her crowning. In Miss Juneteenth, however, she brings her full power to the screen, never letting Turquoise slip into a selfish or pitiable caricature as the film finds a satisfying catharsis. Miss Juneteenth is available to rent on demand on June 19. RELATED CONTENT:Juneteenth: Why the Holiday Is as Important as Ever This YearNew York and Virginia to Make Juneteenth an Official Holiday
Target makes Juneteenth an official annual company holiday
Target is joining a growing list of companies like Twitter, Square, Vox Media and Nike that are recognizing Juneteenth as a company holiday. The retailer announced Monday that Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, will be added to the companyโs annual holiday calendar โgiving our team space to honor Juneteenth in their own way,โ according to a press release. Stores and distribution centers will remain open, however, hourly team members will receive time and a half pay and all other eligible Target team members will be given the option of taking the day off with full pay. Headquarters will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. Target to raise starting pay to $15 an hour across US
Juneteenth celebrations going virtual due to COVID-19. Heres how you can commorate the holiday.
SAN ANTONIO Juneteenth, also know as Freedom Day, is the annual celebration commemorating Major General Gordon Grangers announcement in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil war was over and that all slaves were officially free. This news came nearly two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincolns famous Emancipation Proclamation. Heres a list of some online celebrations happening in the San Antonio area this Friday, June 19th. The UTSA Student Union in collaboration with the African American Studies and Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice will be hosting a panel discussion and feature poet Christopher Michael Brown. UTSA Juneteenth (KSAT 2020)Huston-Tillotson University in Austin will be hosting Juneteenth 2020: Growing Your Roots During a Global Pandemic Using Genealogy as a Progressive Tool. The event is open to the public and will focus on ancestry and genealogy.
New this week: Neil Young, 'Miss Juneteenth,' Padma Lakshmi
This combination of cover images show, from left, Rough and Rowdy Ways," by Bob Dylan, "Homegrown," a release by Neil Young and "Bigger Love" by John Legend. Peoples film will debut Friday on-demand on Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Miss Juneteenth isnt about that history but the contemporary African American struggle to remain in the middle class. AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSICBob Dylan: Its been eight years since the legend Bob Dylan released an album of original material. Neil Young: Neil Young also has a new album out on Friday, though he finished it 45 years ago.
Trump moved Tulsa rally date after learning about Juneteenth
Trump had scheduled the rally for June 19, known as Juneteenth because it marks the end of slavery in the United States. He didn't see it as disrespectful to be able to do it on Juneteenth, Lankford said. Other people interpreted it differently and so he moved the rally date.Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said he was thankful that Trump rescheduled the rally. But Trump's campaign was aware, according to two campaign officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose internal discussions. Although selecting June 19 was not meant to be incendiary, some pushback was expected, the Trump campaign officials said.
Trump reschedules campaign rally after Juneteenth uproar
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that he is rescheduling his first campaign rally in months to a day later so it won't conflict with the Juneteenth observance of the end of slavery in the United States. Trump had scheduled the rally his first since early March for June 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Black leaders said it was offensive for Trump to pick that day and that place, a city that in 1921 was the site of a fiery and orchestrated white-on-black attack. Trump tweeted late Friday, Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out of respect for this Holiday." He said he is moving the rally to June 20 to honor their requests.Trump's signature rallies often draw tens of thousands of people but have been on hiatus since March 2 because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed more than 110,000 people in the U.S.
Nike joins the companies making Juneteenth an annual paid holiday
Nike is adding June 19, a holiday called Juneteenth, to its list of official, paid company holidays. The sportswear giant joins a growing number of companies that announced this week they are making Juneteenth, the oldest known US celebration of the end of slavery, an annual company holiday. "At Nike, Inc., we aspire to be a leader in building a diverse, inclusive team and culture. He added that observing Juneteenth is an opportunity "to better commemorate and celebrate Black history and culture." He said the company plans to regularly track and measure its progress, though he didn't provide further specifics on how the initiative would be carried out.
NFL plans to observe Juneteenth as league holiday
The NFL plans to recognize Juneteenth as a league holiday. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement to league employees on Friday in an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. Juneteenth is considered the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Colin Kaepernick began raising awareness for these problems by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. Juneteenth not only marks the end of slavery in the United States, but it also symbolizes freedom a freedom that was delayed, and brutally resisted; and though decades of progress followed, a freedom for which we must continue to fight.___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Nike, NFL and others to start giving workers Juneteenth off
Although slavery was already abolished more than two years earlier by the Emancipation Proclamation, it continued in some areas. Some businesses have professed support for the Black Lives Matter movement or pledged to donate money to organizations. Others have promised to hire more black workers or make other policy changes. This week, Nike CEO John Donahoe told workers they would get Juneteenth off starting this year as a way to celebrate black culture and history. The power of this historical feat in our countrys blemished history is felt each year," Goodell wrote in a memo.