The Jacksonville City Council approved creating Juneteenth as an official City holiday at their June 22, 2021 meeting. The City will now observe the Juneteenth holiday on the same day as the national holiday, June 19.
Juneteenth will replace the City’s Freedom Day Holiday as a day to celebrate the abolishment of slavery and the passing of the 13th Amendment. Freedom Day had been observed by the City of Jacksonville on the second Monday in December since being adopted in 2016.
The City had held an annual Freedom Day Observance to honor the holiday which featured guest speakers, readings of the 13th Amendment, and music celebration the abolishment of slavery.
Councilwoman Dr. Angelia Washington presented the Juneteenth holiday proposal to the City Council and it was adopted unanimously. Speaking at the meeting Dr. Washington said, “we can stand on the stage with the rest of the nation, celebrate our accomplishments, and move this City forward in honoring and celebrating Juneteenth.”