As part of the City’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice, Mayor Michael O’Connor announced today that The City of Frederick will close in observance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 and informed the last enslaved African Americans of their freedom. The troops' arrival occurred two and half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Because Juneteenth (June 19) falls on a Saturday, the day will be observed on Friday, June 18, 2021.
“The history of our country is complicated, and the stories that have been told are often incomplete. Celebrating Juneteenth is one way of acknowledging when all Americans gained freedom and independence,” shared Mayor O’Connor. “The last year has reinforced that our work to bring equal opportunity to all and dismantle the systemic barriers to success must continue. Observing this important holiday supports that effort.”
Full-time and regular part-time employees will be granted administrative leave on Friday, June 18, 2021. All departments, except those with 24-hour operations or which are essential by function or schedule, will close.
While employees will be granted administrative leave for the day this year, Mayor O’Connor has engaged the City’s Employee Committee to discuss plans for a review of City holidays. Mayor O’Connor also declared Election Day an administrative holiday for the City in November 2020.
Information will be shared in early June regarding adjustments to City services and schedules.