Juneteenth Established as Regular County Holiday by Legislation
The Prince George’s County Council, recognizing the history and contributions of African Americans in Prince George’s County and across the nation, will join residents in the first celebration of Juneteenth as an official County holiday on Friday, June 18, 2021
Marking June 19th, the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the word Juneteenth. Council Bill-058-2020, proposed by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and unanimously enacted by the County Council in October 2020, established June 19th as Juneteenth Day, a regular County holiday in Prince George’s County.
The County’s Juneteenth holiday formally recognizes the end of slavery in the United States, while celebrating the history, culture and accomplishments of African Americans in Prince George’s County and across the nation. Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, says the County holiday proudly recognizes the historical and important legacy of Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States
“As an official holiday in our County, Juneteenth offers an important opportunity to celebrate as a community the triumphs and contributions of African Americans, and to learn more about Black history, family and culture. During such a pivotal point in our history, Juneteenth, is also a great time for reflection, as we work together to end longstanding racial and social injustices.”
LEARN MORE about Juneteenth and join Prince George’s County Memorial Library Juneteenth events at https://www.pgcmls.info/juneteenth
Visit the Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation at https://pgparks.com/juneteenth for more information and Juneteenth in-person and virtual activities in the County.
For a schedule of Juneteenth holiday closings, CLICK HERE.
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