Twitter and Square announce company-wide holiday on June 19 to support racial diversity

Twitter Inc and Square Inc's chief executive, Jack Dorsey has announced that June 19 will be observed as a company-wide holiday in the United States to support racial diversity. He termed it as "Juneteenth". 

Also read: 'Justice for George': Floyd's brother makes way to first congressional hearing since his death

June 19 commemorates US abolition of Slavery under  President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation which was announced in the state of Texas in 1865 just after the end of the Civil War. 

This move comes after the death of African American George Floyd in police custody triggered widespread protests against racism and police brutality, while also reigniting the debate on diversity and inclusion among corporate firms.

Jack took to Twitter to make this announcement. 

The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe.

In the video that went viral after Floyd’s death, the officer was seen kneeling on the man for almost nine minutes, even when he was repeatedly telling the officer about his inability to breathe. It was only when the ambulance arrived that the officer retracted his knee from the neck. An hour later, Floyd was dead.

Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old police officer who knelt on Floyd was charged with second and third-degree murder, with his previous bail set at $1 million. However, on Tuesday, the bail was raised by $250,000 to $1.25 million.

The officer from Minneapolis appeared in front of the court via video call and was seen in an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs.