JPMorgan Chase will Close Branches Early on Juneteeth

This Friday is Juneteeth, which marks the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery over 150 years ago.

June 19th marks the anniversary of Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army landing in Galveston, Texas, and informing slaves that the Civil War had ended and slavery was abolished.

Chase retail branches will close at 1 p.m. on June 19, according to a memo from JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon.

“2020 has become a very unique moment in our history. While we must continue many core operations during this period, this early closure allows our branch employees — many of whom have been working on the front lines to support our customers and communities throughout the COVID-19 crisis — time to reflect, learn and participate in peaceful events in their communities,” Dimon said.

“Out of deep respect for the suffering that the Black community has endured over hundreds of years and in recognition of the high esteem in which we hold our Black community at JPMorgan Chase, we are closing all Chase branches at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 19 — known as Juneteenth,” Dimon said.

The bank is the latest large company to make Juneteenth at least a partial holiday.

Earlier this month Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey said that the date would be a company holiday.

Nike and the NFL will also recognize the day as a company holiday, and President Trump said that he would reschedule a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma that was initially going to take place that day.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.