Celebrating Juneteenth: What's Open and Closed This Year
Americans across the nation will honor Juneteenth on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in history with vibrant parades and festivities. Though recognized as the newest federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth has long held deep meaning for Black Americans. It was on June 19, 1865, that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, declaring the freedom of enslaved African Americans in that region. This significant moment came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which couldn’t be enforced in Confederate-ruled areas. The Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 reignited focus on this day, and by 2023, Pew Research revealed that at least 28 states along with Washington DC and the federal government recognize Juneteenth as an official public holiday. Despite the Trump administration’s opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Juneteenth continues to be a federal holiday as confirmed by the Office of Personnel Management. Even as the private sector shifts away from DEI, many Americans will relish a day off from work as Juneteenth falls on Thursday, June 19.
If you’re wondering about which establishments will open their doors on Juneteenth, here’s a quick guide. The majority of major retailers and grocery outlets will continue their regular business hours, including Walmart and Target. Numerous grocers, like Costco and Kroger and its associated chains, will be open for shoppers. Walgreens will maintain its usual store hours, though most pharmacies will remain closed except for those operating 24/7 and select locations. Likewise, CVS will be operating, albeit with some stores on reduced hours. It’s always wise to check in advance with local businesses and eateries for their specific operating schedules.
The United States Postal Service will observe the holiday, pausing mail delivery for Juneteenth. Nevertheless, UPS and FedEx will remain operational, providing regular services.
Financial markets will take a break as both Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange will be closed on Thursday. As a Federal Reserve-observed banking holiday, major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will not open their doors. However, online banking and ATMs will remain available for customer use.
Federal offices will shut down in observance of Juneteenth, and many schools will already be on summer vacation. Still, not every federal or state worker will receive a paid day off. In 2023, Pew Research pointed out that 28 states celebrated Juneteenth as a public holiday and accordingly granted state workers a paid day off. While some states may opt for a day of observance or other commemorations, West Virginia, for instance, announced that this year’s Juneteenth will not be observed as a paid holiday. Instead, as reported by local news, Governor Patrick Morrisey’s administration will encourage citizens to reflect on the end of slavery in the U.S.