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The history and significance of Juneteenth
LiveNOW from FOX host Jeane Franseen spoke to Marvin Chiles, Asst. Professsor of African American History at Old Dominion University, on the significance of the federal holiday.
null - Many Americans will celebrate Juneteenth, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free.
The U.S. government was slow to embrace the occasion — it was only in 2021 that President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday.
It’s a blend of the words June and nineteenth. The holiday has also been called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, second Independence Day and Emancipation Day.
RELATED: What is Juneteenth? The history of the newest federal holiday and how to celebrate
Most U.S. states also now hold celebrations honoring Juneteenth as a holiday or a day of recognition, like Flag Day. Juneteenth is a paid holiday for state employees in Texas, New York, Virginia, Washington, and now Nevada as well. Hundreds of companies give workers the day off.
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Why Juneteenth is a sacred day for African Americans
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.
What is open and closed on Juneteenth?
Mail delivery
Post offices will be closed on Wednesday, which means mail and packages won’t be delivered by the United States Postal Service.
Packages from other delivery services could still be expected. FedEx and UPS both have Juneteenth on their holiday delivery schedule, though operations will be running on both days for both delivery services.
Banks
The Federal Reserve is observing Juneteenth on Wednesday, which means most banks will be closed.
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Juneteenth: What is it and why do we celebrate?
President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 to make June 19 the nation’s 12th federal holiday. LiveNOW from FOX host Zach Horner spoke to Nathaniel Glover, Florida's first Black Sheriff about what the historical day means to him.
Banks are not required to close on federal holidays, but many do. Check your local branch before visiting.
Additionally, the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will be closed.
Government offices
All federal offices and schools will be closed. However, at the state government level, some may still be open.
Retail
As with other major summer holidays, private retailers may choose to be open or closed, or amend their hours. Check with your destination Wednesday before visiting.
Corporate offices of major retailers, such as Target, Twitter and Nike, have given employees a paid day off on Juneteenth in the past.
This story was reported from Los Angeles. Megan Ziegler and the Associated Press contributed.