This afternoon, President Biden signed a bill to establish Juneteenth (June 19) as a federal holiday, memorializing the end of slavery in the United States. This is a truly a momentous day in our country’s history.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved Black people of their emancipation. By formally recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, we are able to reflect on our nation’s past and continue the work toward equality and racial justice.
The City of Boise will recognize the new holiday to reflect on our history and move our city forward. With short notice this year, we will not close city facilities so that we can continue to serve our community. Moving forward, beginning in 2022, we will recognize Juneteenth as we do other federal holidays by closing city facilities so employees can observe the holiday.