Juneteenth Becomes Official City Of Birmingham Holiday

From the City of Birmingham:

October 21, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Birmingham City Council approved a recommendation by Mayor Randall L. Woodfin to make June 19, Juneteenth, an official city holiday.

“What started as a celebration in Galveston, Texas, has become a beacon of progress nationwide, one that mirrors Birmingham’s own legacy of social justice and inclusion,” Mayor Woodfin said. “That’s why we’re proud to continue Juneteenth’s grand legacy here in our own city – as both a tribute to the freedom fighters that came before us and as a reminder to remain vigilant in the pursuit of equality.”

Designated an official federal holiday earlier this year by President Joe. Biden, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and told slaves of their emancipation.

The Juneteenth holiday, which will be observed on Monday, June 20, 2022, is one of 11 official holidays observed by the city. Juneteenth increases the number of paid holidays for city employees to 12 each year.

This press release was produced by the City of Birmingham. The views expressed are the author's own.