J.C. Penney observes Juneteenth

For the second year, J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is celebrating what is now the federal holiday of Juneteenth across its offices, supply chain facilities, and stores.

Initially recognized by J.C. Penney as an annual company holiday in 2020, Juneteenth celebrates the news of freedom for the enslaved by the Emancipation Proclamation reaching Texas and the southern U.S. in June 1865. As of 2021, Saturday, June 19 is an official nationally observed holiday.

On Friday, June 18, J.C. Penney corporate offices and supply chain facilities will observe Juneteenth. Stores will observe Juneteenth on Saturday, June 19. As a permanent company-wide holiday, hourly customer-facing associates working on Juneteenth will receive additional holiday pay.

Further commemorating this holiday, J.C. Penney has also made a financial contribution to Unity Unlimited, Inc., a nonprofit organization started by 94-year-old activist Opal Lee, who campaigned to make Juneteenth a national holiday.

The company has also provided its more than 50,000 associates with educational resources and encouraged them to attend Juneteenth celebrations, virtually or in-person, including joining the J.C. Penney team participating in the fundraising Opal’s Walk for Juneteenth event in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Through continuing James Cash Penney’s founding principle of treating others as we want to be treated, we move forward in achieving lasting change for all,” J.C. Penney said in an official announcement of its Juneteenth celebration.