Music Companies Observe June 19 'End of Slavery' Holiday

Their stand is in line with the countrywide clamor and protest after the death of George Floyd and other black Americans.

Warner Music Group, Sony Music, and Spotify are continuing their commitment to the movement by declaring June 19 as a company holiday.

June 19 is honored annually as the end of slavery in the U.S.

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More Than the Paid Leave

Warner Music Group and Spotify, in their internal memos obtained by Billboard, announced that all their workers would receive paid leave. The holiday is their form of support for the Black community.

Aside from that, the two companies believe that it is also vital to give the day the recognition it deserves. Americans must also take it as a chance to learn, reflect, and connect as they fight racism.

Sony Music informed its employees that they would be observing the June 19 holiday. The management said that it would be away from the usual office works to value the meaning of the historic day. They are yet to provide specific details about the holiday.

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Donation to the Fight

During the 'Black Out Tuesday,' music companies join in supporting the black community.

The event took off as an initiative of two black music executives, aiming to promote accountability and change. The incident reignited some deep-seated diversity issues concerning the history of exploiting people of color.

Several artists called upon music companies to take concrete actions beyond their social media pages. Canadian singer The Weeknd urged industry executives to do their part after he donated $500,000 to social justice groups.

Record labels pledge to fund fighting for social justice. Companies and groups followed the move. Some created a program for their workers while others vow to share the profit of their group.

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Juneteenth: Delayed Justice for Blacks

On June 19, 1865, the date when thousands of slaves, especially in Texas, were made aware of their freedom. In that part of the country, slavery would have continued if not for the official order made by then Union General Gordon Granger. Still, after the law was enacted for many years, June 19 represents delayed freedom and justice for Black people in the U.S.

Decades after the war, many cases of abuse continuously doomed the Black Community.

Now, acts of police violence and racism hurdles the progress of a supposed 150-year 'free' Black community.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the law, which The legal status of African Americans who were objects for slavery at that time changed

Though not recognized as a national holiday, June 19 or Juneteenth has long been an important day for the Black community, especially today.