At Target, we’re committed to standing with Black families, communities and team members and creating lasting change around racial justice and equity. We’re building on a strong foundation of diversity and inclusion and taking action to do more—from forming an internal action committee to guide Target’s path forward to committing $10 million to advance social justice and support rebuilding and recovery efforts in local communities. And today, we’re proud to take another significant step: recognizing Juneteenth—the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States—as an official annual company holiday, giving our team space to honor Juneteenth in their own way.
“We recognize that the racial trauma the country is experiencing now is not new, but throughout recent weeks there has been a sense that this time is, and has to be, different,” says Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO, Target. “Juneteenth takes on additional significance in this moment. Moving now to recognize it on an annual basis—as a day to celebrate, further educate ourselves or connect with our communities—is one more important action Target can take as a company to help the country live up to the ideal of moving forward in a new way.”
While all stores and distribution centers will remain open, hourly team members who work on June 19 will be paid time and a half. All eligible Target team members have the option to take the day off with full pay. Headquarters offices will be closed in observance.
This is just one step. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to listen and learn from our team members, our guests and our community partners—all to further Target’s role in creating tangible and lasting change.
