What is Juneteenth, America’s newest federal holiday?
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. It became a federal holiday in 2021.
Juneteenth is today, and the country’s newest federal holiday is leading to some things being closed.
Most national banks and the United States Postal Service will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of the federal holiday.
Juneteenth, known as America’s Second Independence Day, has been commemorated as a federally-recognized holiday since 2021, providing millions of Americans with a paid day off and the opportunity to commemorate the end of slavery.
The holiday commemorates the day when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas in 1865 with 2,000 Union troops to proclaim that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free – two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.
Here’s what you need to know about banks, post offices and shipping services, and whether or not they’ll be open on Juneteenth.
Why is it called Juneteenth? Why do people celebrate it?
Juneteenth is short for June 19, when the holiday is celebrated. Known also as Freedom Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the day the last enslaved Black people in the United States were declared free.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, not all slaves were immediately free until over two years later.
Do employees have to work on Juneteenth?
Whether you’ll have Juneteenth off is often determined by the employer.
While it is a federal holiday, many private employers are not required to grant Juneteenth as a paid holiday. However, many federal and state employees will have the day off.
Does Ohio recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday?
Yes. According to the official site, Juneteenth is listed as a statewide holiday, meaning that most state offices will be closed or may have limited services.
Is Costco, Walmart, Target open on Juneteenth?
Walmart, Target and Costco will be open on Juneteenth, however, it’s recommended to check with your local store for specific hours, as they may vary by location. Here are more grocery stores that plan to keep its doors open on June 19:
- Acme Fresh Market
- Aldi
- Costco
- Giant Eagle
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
In addition to retail stores and fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A will also remain open.
Is Akron trash pickup delayed for Juneteenth?
Akron will have normal trash and recycling schedules on Juneteenth.
Contact your municipality or private provider to learn more.
Does mail come on Juneteenth? Are banks open on Juneteenth 2025?
Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, meaning most banks, such as Wells Fargo, Citibank, Huntington, Bank of America, Truist and others, will also be closed on June 19.
Are post offices closed on Juneteenth? Will FedEx, UPS deliver?
The United States Postal Service will be closed on June 19, 2025, since Juneteenth is observed as a federal holiday by the USPS.
However, other parcel carriers like FedEx and UPS stores will remain open.
Is the stock market open or closed on Juneteenth?
The New York Stock Exchange is closed on federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, according to its website.
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