ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — U.S. Bank announced that it will close its offices and branches at 1 p.m. Friday in honor of Juneteenth, a celebration of June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved Americans were freed.
“The events of the past few weeks have changed the conversation and added a sense of urgency that has motivated more people across the globe to act to address social injustice. That begins with acknowledging our rich and diverse history,” said Andy Cecere, chairman, president and CEO of U.S. Bank. “We are encouraging our employees to use this time to serve in our communities, commit to inclusion and advocacy, or simply educate themselves on this very important topic.”
The bank said that because Juneteenth falls on a Friday and many U.S. Bank customers need in-person banking on a day that may be a payday, in-person banking services will be available until 1 p.m.
They are encouraging customers are encouraged to use mobile and digital banking services or their ATM network that afternoon.
Many of their branches also offer in-person banking – lobby or drive-thru – on Saturdays.
While most slaves were formally freed by the Emancipation Proclamation two and a half years earlier, June 19, 1895, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Cel-Liberation Day, marks the date when Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free.
