Alabama Celebrates It's First Juneteenth

News Staff • June 19, 2025

Some State offices and banks may be closed today

Gulf Shores event news

Earlier this year Governor Kay Ivey singed into law a bill making June 19 an official state holiday. President Trump started observing the holiday back in 2020. Juneteenth commemorates the day which black slaves in the US learned of their emancipation.


A federal holiday, June 19 has been ratified by the U.S. Congress. Governor Ivey officially recognized the holiday in HB165. The passage of this bill makes Juneteenth a permanent state holiday, ensuring the closure of state offices on June 19th.


Upon its passage Governor Ivey stated, "Since President Trump observed Juneteenth in June of 2020, it has been proclaimed each year, and the Legislature's decision to make it an official state holiday is pleasing".


While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, that news of freedom reached Galveston, Texas, and enslaved people were finally informed of their liberation. 


While events are planned across the country, Juneteenth celebrations are expected to be somewhat muted due to the other news taking place on this date.


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