Local government offices closed on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth

Local government offices in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Thurston County will close on June 19 to honor Juneteenth, a federal holiday established by President Joe Biden in 2021. Juneteenth commemorates the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, who delivered the news of freedom for enslaved Black individuals. This announcement occurred over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The closure of government offices emphasizes the significance of acknowledging this pivotal moment in American history. Local residents will have the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the ongoing fight for equality.

Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by Black Americans and the importance of social justice. This observance also encourages community engagement and educational initiatives around civil rights. Recognizing this day helps foster a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding race relations in the United States.