Nike CEO, John Donahoe, announced in an internal memo that the company would recognize Juneteenth as an annual paid holiday for its U.S. employees.
Donahoe said Nike is taking this step to commemorate better and celebrate Black history and culture.
“As many of you may know, next Friday, June 19, is Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. Starting this year and going forward, Nike will recognize Juneteenth as an annual paid holiday in the U.S,” Donahoe said.
Nike’s decision comes after Twitter and payments startup Square revealed on Tuesday plans to make Juneteenth an annual holiday.
Nike is focusing on a more diverse and inclusive culture for its black employees.
