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The Miami-Dade County Commission on Oct. 20 approved a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan to make Juneteenth a paid holiday for Miami-Dade County employees.
Juneteenth commemorates the declaration of the abolition of slavery in Texas, which occurred in Galveston on June 19, 1865. Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became effective Jan. 1, 1863 and the Civil War ended on Apr. 9, 1865, Texas remained rebellious following the end of the Civil War.
Juneteenth recognizes the day all remaining slaves were freed. Many communities and organizations nationwide celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 of each year.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of liberation and achievement for African Americans, and I’m thrilled that Miami-Dade County will be joining communities around the country that commemorate it as a holiday,” Commissioner Jordan said.
The resolution directs the county administration to recognize and designate Juneteenth as a paid county holiday to be observed on June 19 of each year for non-bargaining employees and all other employees covered by collective bargaining agreements whose agreements provide for this holiday. In the event June 19 is on a Saturday or Sunday in any given year, the paid county holiday would be observed on the following business day.
