On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Army soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that enslaved people were free. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, and it was first designated a commemorative holiday by Texas in 1980. It has now been recognized by nearly every state. Juneteenth affords us a unique opportunity to celebrate freedom.
This year, to honor Juneteenth and in solemn recognition of recent events, our offices will be closed Friday, June 19, 2020. We encourage all to take this opportunity away from your daily routine for personal reflection and education regarding issues of racial injustice, and, where possible, to engage in community service.