Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, marks a significant chapter in American history—the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t until two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery in the state. This delay was due to Texas being a Confederate holdout, where enslavers had ignored the proclamation until Union troops enforced it.
Known by various names such as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Jubilee Day, Juneteenth has grown from a regional observance in Texas to a nationwide celebration of freedom, resilience, and African American culture. Texas was the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980, making it a paid holiday for state employees. However, it took decades more for Juneteenth to gain federal recognition. After widespread protests in 2020 sparked by the murder of George Floyd and a renewed focus on racial inequities, momentum surged, culminating in President Joe Biden signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021, officially establishing Juneteenth as the youngest federal holiday in the United States.
Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 each year, regardless of the day of the week. In 2025, it falls on a Thursday. When the date lands on a weekend, celebrations often shift to the following Monday, allowing more people to participate in commemorations and events. The name “Juneteenth” itself is a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” directly honoring the historic day when freedom was finally declared in Texas.
Despite its federal status, not every state recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday. Notably, New Hampshire remains the only New England state without official recognition. Moreover, federal law does not require private companies to observe federal holidays, so many private-sector workers may not receive time off, though a growing number of businesses are choosing to do so.
In fact, several major companies, including Zillow, Nike, and Lyft, now give their employees the day off on June 19, 2025, reflecting a cultural shift toward embracing the holiday's significance. Still, many private businesses and retailers remain open, with some offering time-and-a-half pay to employees working on the day. Retail giants such as Costco, Walmart, and Target will operate during normal hours on Juneteenth 2025, with only a few major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas prompting closures for these chains.
Government offices, on the other hand, will be closed in observance of the holiday. Federal offices nationwide, along with local government workers, will have the day off. Banks and credit unions will also be closed, as Juneteenth is considered a bank holiday by the Federal Reserve. While ATMs and online banking services remain operational, any transactions made on June 19, 2025, will not process until the following business day.
The United States Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery and close retail locations on Juneteenth, with the exception of Priority Mail Express services, which will continue as usual. However, private carriers UPS and FedEx will operate normally, maintaining their usual schedules and services on the holiday.
Juneteenth’s rise to prominence owes much to the persistent efforts of Texas native Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” For many years, Lee walked nearly 2.5 miles every June 19 to raise awareness and advocate for federal recognition of the holiday. Her dedication symbolizes the enduring fight for acknowledgment and equality that Juneteenth represents.
The holiday serves not only as a solemn remembrance of emancipation but also as a celebration of African American culture, history, and progress. It has become a day for reflection, education, and community gatherings across the United States. The national prominence Juneteenth gained in 2020 was partly fueled by the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, which sparked widespread protests and calls for racial justice.
Looking ahead, the next major federal holiday after Juneteenth in 2025 is Independence Day on July 4, which falls on a Friday, followed by Labor Day on Monday, September 1. The United States observes 11 federal holidays annually, with Inauguration Day occurring in 2025 on January 20—coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and providing most American workers a day off.
Juneteenth’s journey from a Texas celebration to a federally recognized holiday illustrates the evolving recognition of America’s complex history with slavery and freedom. It stands as a powerful reminder of the nation’s ongoing struggle toward equality and justice, inviting all Americans to remember the past while striving for a more inclusive future.
