Juneteenth 2023: See what's open and closed in US

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the USA to mark the end of slavery of African-Americans. It derives its name from combining the month of June and the date nineteenth (19th). The date is important because on June 19, 1865, the last Black slaves of the Confederacy were ordered free in Galveston, Texas.

Juneteenth was first officially recognized as a national holiday in 2021 by President Joe Biden, when he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law after the work done for it by Lula Briggs Galloway, Opal Lee, and their associates. It became prominent again in 2020 when nationwide protests took place against racism in the US, especially against slain Black people Breonna Taylor and George Floyd by the police.

Here's what is open and closed on the Juneteenth holiday:

Government offices (Non-essential federal, state and city): Closed.
Schools: Most Many public and private schools are closed.
Banks: Most banks and credit unions will be shut on Juneteenth, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
US Postal Service: Closed.
FedEx: Open.
UPS: Open.
Amazon delivery: Open.
NYSE and Nasdaq: Closed.
Grocery stores and Walmart: Open.

FAQs

What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the USA to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It derives its name from combining June and nineteenth (19th). It was recognised by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Which is the USA’s second Independence Day?
The American Independence Day is on July 4. Juneteenth (June 19) has been recognised as the USA’s ‘Second Independence Day’ because it ended slavery.