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  • Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865.
  • Some Juneteenth events have been canceled due to the political climate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
  • Mississippi does not recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.
  • Federal services like mail delivery and stock markets will be closed on Juneteenth, while private companies like UPS and FedEx will operate normally.

Many are already looking forward to their next day off. According to the federal calendar, the next holiday that some people will get is Juneteenth.

But with the Trump administration pushing to end diversity, equity and inclusion, is U.S. still going to celebrate the freedom of formerly enslaved people?

President Donald Trump signed executive orders in January to roll back federal DEI initiatives and encouraged a cultural shift away from “woke” agendas. He said America is a meritocracy.

It’s led to a series of boycotts, spending freezes and blackouts against Target, Amazon, Walmart and other major retailers and brands. Many citizens are saying they want DEI efforts back.

Here’s what to know about Juneteenth. Will Mississippi celebrate it this year?

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that honors June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were set free. The order for the state came about two and a half years after the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

It became a federal holiday in 2021.

When is Juneteenth 2025? Does it always fall on the same day?

Juneteenth will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The holiday is tied to that date but workers might get the day off on a Monday or Friday some years if the federal holiday falls on a weekend.

Why are some Juneteenth events being cancelled across the United States?

According to Newsweek, several events have been cancelled across the U.S. No organizers have specifically cited Trump’s move to end federal DEI programs. Still, they have said the national political climate is a factor.

A branch of the NAACP in New Jersey has reportedly moved its event from federal property after the order.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, organizers couldn’t confirm an event location with the city but will still hold a festival at the state fairgrounds, per IndyStar.

A group in Bend, Oregon, said it canceled over a growing national discord. “… in today’s increasingly volatile political climate, with rising incidents of racial aggression and threats — particularly toward Black and Latino communities — safety must come first,” The Father’s Group said as part of the announcement.

Another group in Plano, Illinois, initially said it was cancelling in January but later appears to have partnered with other organizations to hold a celebration nearby.

Does Mississippi celebrate Juneteenth as a state holiday?

No. Mississippi does not honor Juneteenth as a state holiday, though it is a federal holiday.

There have been multiple bills proposed to add Juneteenth to the state calendar, but none have been successful.

Local community groups around the Magnolia State will hold events for the holiday, though some are scheduled for the weekend before or after, not the day of.

More: Juneteenth means more than celebrations in Jackson. It’s a time of reflection, commemoration

Will mail run on June 19?

No, the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on Juneteenth.

Will my package be delivered?

UPS and FedEx are private companies. They will run on Juneteenth as normal.

Will banks be open on Juneteenth?

Most banks will likely close, but ATM services will still be available.

Will stock markets be open on June 19?

NYSE and Nasdaq will close for the federal holiday.

See photos of previous Juneteenth celebrations across the country

When are Mississippi state holidays in 2025?

Many state holidays in Mississippi sync up with federal holidays, but not all of them, according to the list from the Department of Finance and Administration.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day.
  • Monday, Jan. 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee.
  • Monday, Feb. 17: Washington’s Birthday.
  • Monday, April 28: Confederate Memorial Day.
  • Monday, May 26: National Memorial Day and Jefferson Davis’ birthday.
  • Friday, July 4: Independence Day.
  • Monday, Sept. 1: Labor Day.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day or Armistice Day.
  • Thursday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day.
  • Thursday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day.

2025 US federal holiday schedule

Here are the federal holidays in 2025, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management:

  • Wednesday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day.
  • Monday, Jan. 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and Inauguration Day.
  • Monday, Feb. 17: Washington’s Birthday.
  • Monday, May 26: Memorial Day.
  • Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day.
  • Friday, July 4: Independence Day.
  • Monday, Sept. 1: Labor Day.
  • Monday, Oct. 13: Columbus Day.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day.
  • Thursday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day.
  • Thursday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day.

Contributing: Vanessa Countryman

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.