The day marks the end of slavery in the United States. President Joe Biden signed legislation on Thursday afternoon declaring the Juneteenth holiday. Most federal employees observed the holiday on Friday, because June 19 falls on a Saturday this year.
Post offices and postal services were staying in operation nationally on Friday and Saturday. A US Postal Service statement issued late on Thursday said the service supported the new holiday, but was not able to cease operations on 24 hours notice. Federal Reserve offices in Washington, D.C. were closed on Friday, but Federal Reserve services were still available to banks.
The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and Carolina Panthers offices both were closed Friday for Juneteenth. Companies including LendingTree, Starbucks and Target recognize Juneteenth as a paid company holiday, enabling employees to take time off or receive holiday pay. Truliant and Truist, both credit unions, planned to close early on Friday.
Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University of Charlotte, and Davidson College were closed or issued statements on Thursday and Friday.
“As the nation celebrates our culture and commemorates our history on this 155th Juneteenth, I ask that we individually and collectively think about the work that needs to be done and commit to continuing that work long after the media spotlight on the issue of systemic racism has faded,” wrote Clarence D. Armbrister, president of Johnson C. Smith University.
Photo from JCSU.
At Queens University, president Daniel Lugo sent an email to university employees on Thursday night, giving them the day off.
“Since June 19 falls on a Saturday this year, in celebration and recognition of this historic day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, senior leadership and I have decided to close business tomorrow, Friday, June 18, and give employees the day off to be reminded of the importance of our continued push toward equity and justice,” Lugo wrote.
Photo from Queens.
A short film featuring three dance performances by Tamara Williams, a professor of dance at UNC Charlotte, was scheduled to premiere virtually on June 19. The film and dance performances focus on the strength of Black women.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) signed a proclamation Friday honoring June 19 as Juneteenth Day in North Carolina. A year ago, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles (D) signed a Juneteenth proclamation on June 18.
“As we celebrate Black heritage, history and freedom, it’s critical that we also take this opportunity to both celebrate the progress we’ve made and accept the challenge we still face to achieve true racial equality,” said Cooper’s proclamation. “By addressing the systemic racism that has been in our communities for centuries, we can create a more just and equitable future.”
Charlotte events celebrating Juneteenth started on Thursday, June 17, with youth day camp activities at House of Africa on Thomas Avenue. Events continuing from Friday through Sunday, June 20 include dance, music, fashion, art, food trucks, and other events, and are scheduled to take place at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Camp North End, and Victoria Yards.
Queens University News Service
