Philadelphia, PA - Mayor Jim Kenney declared Juneteenth as an official City holiday. As a result, this Friday, June 19, 2020, The City of Philadelphia offices and facilities are going to be closed to the public to observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Mayor Kenney's Juneteenth Executive Order
The designation was carried out by Executive Order, is for the year 2020. The administration is going to further pursue all necessary steps to secure Juneteenth an official City holiday in Philadelphia for many years to come.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, the date in which Union troops appeared in Galveston Bay, Texas, to ensure the slaves had been freed. The troops appeared two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is presently recognized as a state holiday or day of observance in 47 states and the District of Columbia.
Philadelphia Juneteenth Closings
In the spirit of solidarity, The School District of Philadelphia Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D., declared Tuesday that the District is likewise close, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.
City Services on Juneteenth: All City of Philadelphia offices are going to be closed, and City services restricted on Friday, June 19, 2020, for Juneteenth. All-City buildings will remain closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trash won't be collected on Friday, June 19. All residents who typically have the collection on Friday will need to set out their trash on Friday evening after 5 p.m. for collection on Saturday.
Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly
