(WATERBURY, CT) June 16, 2020 | 2 min read —
Webster Bank announced today that all Webster banking centers and Webster offices, including its HSA Bank division, will close on Friday, June 19 at 1 p.m. in recognition of Juneteenth.
This year, Juneteenth holds significant meaning as our country continues to struggle with inequities and injustices that have been directed toward Black Americans. This meaning is heightened as this coming Friday marks the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth.
Known as “Jubilee Day,” “Emancipation Day” or “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth is the observance of the ending of slavery in the United States. It dates back to June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and the slaves were free.
“Webster remains committed to building a culture of diversity, inclusion and equity,” said Webster Chairman, CEO and President John Ciulla. “We want to go beyond simply standing in solidarity with the Black community by becoming more thoughtful and engaged with our actions that will help promote change.”
Bankers are encouraged to use this time to reflect and engage in helping to end inequity in our communities. Customers can also contact WebsterÕs Customer Care Center 24/7, visit online at websterbank.com or use WebsterÕs mobile app.
The Juneteenth closing announcement follows WebsterÕs $100,000 donation on Monday to two organizations addressing social injustice and racial equity efforts: the Equal Justice Initiative and RE-Center Race & Equity in Education.
For more than 80 years, Webster has been committed to strengthening the communities it serves through philanthropic giving, including Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) opportunities. In addition, over $3 million in funding is awarded annually to support organizations that serve vulnerable individuals and families.
About Webster
Webster Financial Corporation is the holding company for Webster Bank, National Association and its HSA Bank division. With $31.7 billion in assets, Webster provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, financial planning, trust, and investment services through 157 banking centers and 308 ATMs. Webster also provides mobile and online banking. Webster Bank owns the asset-based lending firm Webster Business Credit Corporation; the equipment finance firm Webster Capital Finance Corporation; and HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, which provides health savings account trustee and administrative services. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.
