National Grid will consider Juneteenth a company holiday for all U.S. employees beginning this year, the electric company announced Tuesday morning.
The day commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas first learned the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued over two years prior.
“Combating systemic racism and standing with our Black colleagues and communities in solidarity have always been part of National Grid’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity,” said Natalie Edwards, chief diversity officer of National Grid, in a press release. “Declaring Juneteenth a company holiday is a symbol of our dedication to honoring Black Americans who have suffered the impacts of racism throughout U.S. history.”
National Grid said it refocused its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts following the reenergized Black Lives Matter movement and the May 2020 police murder of George Floyd.
