In 2021, Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States, was officially recognized as the newest US federal holiday. The significance of this day has long been celebrated by many Black Americans.
On June 19, 1865, Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, declaring that enslaved African Americans were free. This proclamation came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Over the years, Juneteenth has been marked by celebrations such as parties, parades, and gatherings. The Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 brought increased awareness to Juneteenth, leading to at least 28 states and Washington DC recognizing it as a public holiday.
This year, Juneteenth falls on Wednesday, June 19. As a federal holiday, the United States Postal Service will not deliver mail, but UPS and FedEx services will remain open. Stock markets, including Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, will be closed.
Juneteenth is also observed as a banking holiday, with major banks like Chase and Bank of America closed for the day. However, online banking services and ATMs will still be available.
Government offices will be closed for Juneteenth, though the observance of the holiday for state employees varies by location. Many schools will be closed for summer break, while most major retailers and grocery stores, like Walmart and Target, will be open for business.
As the day approaches, it is advised to check with local businesses and restaurants for their operating hours on Juneteenth. Juneteenth continues to hold a significant place in American history and culture.
CNN’s Harmeet Kaur contributed to this report.
