Communities Observe Juneteenth

Communities across Tennessee and the nation will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day is widely recognized as marking the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and is observed each year with community events, educational programs, and celebrations recognizing African American history, culture, and the continued pursuit of equality.

Many federal, state, and local government offices, along with some businesses, will be closed in observance of the holiday. Residents are encouraged to check with local governments and businesses for any changes to operating hours or services.