How did Juneteenth start?
The history of Juneteenth
Juneteenth, celebrated each year on June 19, marks a pivotal moment in American history — the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas were finally freed.
Though it originated in Texas, Juneteenth has grown into a nationwide celebration of freedom, resilience and African Black American culture.
In 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday, prompting many government offices and organizations to observe the day with closures or special events.
This milestone was largely due to the efforts of Texas native Opal Lee, now known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” who famously walked nearly 2.5 miles every year on Juneteenth to raise awareness and advocate for the holiday’s federal recognition.
When is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday established in 2021 by former President Joe Biden, is observed annually on June 19.
What does Juneteenth recognize?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom following the end of the Civil War — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by former President Abraham Lincoln.
Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Texas?
While Juneteenth is a federal holiday, meaning government and federal employees typically get the day off, most private-sector workers are not guaranteed time off, especially in states that do not officially recognize the holiday.
In fact, federal law doesn’t require private companies to observe any of the 11 federal holidays, though many businesses and schools offer days off or holiday pay throughout the year.
Texas became the first state to observe Juneteenth in 1980. It has been a paid holiday for state employees since.
Are banks open on Juneteenth?
Like most federal holidays, expect your local banks and credit unions to be closed in observance of Juneteenth.
Is the post office open on Juneteenth? Will mail be delivered?
Postal service retail locations will be closed on Thursday, and there will be no regular mail delivery — except for holiday premium Priority Mail Express — according to a U.S. Postal Service release.
Are UPS and Fed Ex open on Juneteenth?
UPS and FedEx will be open on June 19, with all services available as usual.
Are any businesses or restaurants closed for Juneteenth?
Most businesses and restaurants remain open for the holiday.
Is Costco open on Juneteenth?
Costco will operate during normal hours on Thursday. The warehouse chain only closes on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Is Walmart open on Juneteenth?
Walmart will be open during normal hours. The chain closes only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Is Target open on Juneteenth?
Target will be open during normal hours. Target stores close for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but remain open the rest of the year.
When is the next major federal holiday?
The next holiday that most U.S. workers will take off is Fourth of July, which falls on a Friday this year, followed by Labor Day on Monday Sept. 1.
What are the federal holidays in 2025?
There are typically only 11 federal holidays, but Inauguration Day is included for 2025. However, it is only a holiday for federal employees in Washington, D.C., and certain federal offices.
Inauguration Day, which took place on Jan. 20, is not part of the regular 11 federal holidays, but because it aligned with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most American workers had the day off.
Here’s a list of the federal holidays in 2025:
- Jan. 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day
- Jan. 20, 2025 – Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
- Jan. 20, 2025 – Inauguration Day
- Feb. 17, 2025 – Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
- May 26, 2025 – Memorial Day
- June 19, 2025 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
- July 4, 2025 – Independence Day
- Sept. 1, 2025 – Labor Day
- Oct. 13, 2025 – Indigenous People’s Day
- Nov. 11, 2025 – Veterans Day
- Nov. 27, 2025 – Thanksgiving Day
- Dec. 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
