Friday, June 18, 2021, marks the first-ever observance of Juneteenth by the federal government as a holiday in the United States, following the passage of a new law this week that received support in Congress from both political parties, and a swift signature into law by President Biden.
Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. It is observed as a public holiday in 14 U.S. states, recognizing the events of June 19, 1865 when enslaved people in Texas and Louisiana finally learned that they were free, and the Union Army arrived in Galveston ordering that slavery end.
The federal Office of Personnel Management announced that most federal employees would observe the holiday on Friday, since June 19 falls on a Saturday this year. The state governor has also issued a proclamation marking Juneteenth in Georgia, although Juneteenth remains not a paid state of Georgia holiday as of June 19, 2021.
Metro Atlanta, meanwhile, is marking the freedom day with celebrations and events this weekend, including a parade and festival. Learn more about them at the Social Justice Summer page here on Georgia State's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion website by clicking this link, where you can find more information through the tabs at the bottom of the page. Georgia State also marked the historic day through events virtually and on campuses earlier this week, and the Monday, June 21 edition of Hot Wings & Hot Topics from the Multicultural Center will include a discussion about Juneteenth. More information is also at the SJS page link.
We have also assembled links to resources below this text about the history of Juneteenth, as well as links to the Social Justice Summer page to learn about Juneteenth celebrations, and the GSU DEI Resource Library, where you can search for information about self-care, supporting Black-owned bookstores and businesses, and where allies can search for reading and on-demand training about how to work better in supporting the fight for equality, equity, justice and freedom.
Jeremy Craig, Communications Manager for the DEI Website