City of Richmond to observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday

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The City of Richmond will observe Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, as a paid city holiday.

 

“I urge everyone to use this day as an opportunity for reflection, service and healing,” said Mayor Stoney.

 

Juneteenth began as a celebration of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas in 1865 upon learning of the federal order for their freedom, which was actually issued over two years prior when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This year marks 155 years since the origination of Juneteenth. 

 

For more information on the history and significance of this day, visit: https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth.


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