image

play
Show Caption

Juneteenth is often referred to as the nation’s “Second Independence Day,” and communities nationwide and in Oklahoma celebrate with block parties, educational events and parades.

The federal holiday takes place every year on June 19, which this year falls on a Thursday. While the holiday became a federal holiday in 2021, it has been celebrated since 1865 in Galveston, Texas. Because it is a federal holiday, many offices and services will be closed.

Events throughout the state will take place on Thursday, June 19, with many continuing the fun into the weekend and celebrating until even a week later.

Here’s what to know about the holiday.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2025?

Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in 2025, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

It is one of 11 federal holidays observed every year. The others are:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
  • Washington’s Birthday/Presidents Day
  • Memorial Day
  • July 4
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

When is Juneteenth observed in 2025?

Juneteenth will be marked on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Unlike other federal holidays, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving, which are observed on a specific day of the week, Juneteenth is celebrated on the actual day.

What does Juneteenth celebrate?

Juneteenth commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — when federal soldiers arrived in Galveston to take control of Texas and ensure the slaves were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation, according to the History Channel. Juneteenth — short for June nineteenth — marks the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

Why is it called Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a portmanteau of June 19, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston. It became known as “Juneteenth” by the newly freed slaves of Texas, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture at the Smithsonian.

When did Abraham Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation?

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. But its effect was limited, according to the National Archives. It only applied to states that seceded during the Civil War, leaving slavery intact for slave states that stayed with the Union.

It also could not be enforced until Confederate states were under Union control, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Therefore, it took until June 19, 1865, for slaves in Texas to be freed.

Slavery in America was formally abolished with the 13th Amendment, which was ratified Dec. 6, 1865.

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, according to USA TODAY, after Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that same month.

Juneteenth began rising to prominence in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, sparked protests across the country against police brutality, USA TODAY reports.

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., first introduced the Juneteenth bill in 2020 following the killings of Floyd and Breonna Taylor of Louisville, Kentucky. His initial attempt to pass the bill was unsuccessful.

Is there mail delivery on Juneteenth? Is the post office open? Does FedEx deliver?

No. As a federal holiday, the U.S. Postal Service is closed that day, and there will be no mail delivered.

FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on June 19, according to the company’s website. FedEx Office locations will also be open, USA TODAY reports.

Are banks open on Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, meaning the organization that regulates the nation’s banking system is closed, according to Bankrate.com.

Banks aren’t required to close for Federal Reserve holidays, but they often do. Transactions made during these holidays won’t be posted until the next business day.

Branches of Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Juneteenth, USA TODAY is reporting. Capital One Cafes will remain open.

Is the stock market open or closed on Juneteenth?

The New York Stock Exchange is closed on federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, according to its website.

OKC trash schedule: Will trash pickup happen on Juneteenth? See

Trash, recycling and bulky waste will be collected as usual on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Are Oklahoma City offices open on Juneteenth?

The City of Oklahoma City observes the holiday at the local level. With this, all city offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

In addition to city offices, the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, Animal Welfare, Municipal Court and all recreation centers, family aquatic centers, community centers, gyms and senior centers will be closed on Thursday.

Here are the hours for spaces that are open on Juneteenth:

  • All outdoor parks open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Martin Park Nature Center Visitor Center: Outdoor grounds open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center and Ed Lycan Conservatory: Outdoor grounds open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Will OKC buses run on Juneteenth?

Free fare for RAPID, OKC Streetcar, buses and OKC PLUS. The hours will be adjusted to the following:

  • Buses and OKC PLUS operate on a weekend schedule.
  • OKC Streetcar operates on a regular schedule until midnight.
  • RAPID operates on a 30-minute frequency from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.