June 19 marks a crucial moment in our country’s history.
On this date in 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and informed 250,000 enslaved people across the state that they were free.
To commemorate the end of slavery, a new holiday was created on June 19, abbreviated to Juneteenth, which we still celebrate today.
Texas was the first to make Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980, but it wasn’t until June 17, 2021 that President Joseph Biden officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday.
“Today we dedicate Juneteenth for what it should be, what it must be: a national holiday,” Biden said in a speech before signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
Juneteenth is traditionally celebrated with activities such as attending parades, organizing educational opportunities, hosting family gatherings, and cooking Juneteenth holiday foods.
In recognition of these traditions, many businesses, stores and services close on Juneteenth to honor the holiday and give employees the opportunity to celebrate.
Before you make a last minute trip to the bank or grocery store on Juneteenth, you’ll want to check to see if your local businesses are open.
To make your holiday a little easier, we’ve put together a list of which businesses and institutions are open or closed during the holidays, including banks, schools, government services and shops.
Banks
Many banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan and TD Bank, are following the Federal Reserve System’s holiday schedule, which states they will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, for Juneteenth.
However, most ATM branches will operate normally.
Post offices and shipping services
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed and no mail will be delivered on Wednesday, June 19.
“Beginning in 2022, the Postal Service will recognize Juneteenth National Independence Day as an eligible holiday for full- and part-time employees,” the USPS wrote on their website.
UPS will offer its usual pick-up and delivery service on Wednesday, June 19. Their website states that UPS Store® locations will be open.
Fedex will also be open for business. According to Fedex’s 2024 holiday schedule, all services will continue as normal on June 1.
Schools
If school isn’t out for the summer yet, check their 2024 calendar to see if they will be keeping their doors closed on Wednesday, June 19th.
Because it is a federal holiday, public schools are closed, but the same rules do not apply to private schools and universities.
The DMV
DMVs across the country will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth.
The stock market
The stock market, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth.
Stores
Although Best Buy, Target and other national chains recognize Juneteenth as an annual company holiday, most of their store locations will be open on Juneteenth. That means you can shop and eat at your favorite places all weekend long.
As always, call local shops and restaurants ahead of time to confirm their holiday times.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
