On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, a historic law recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday annually on June 19. Juneteenth is an annual celebration to commemorate June 19, 1865. It is the date on which Black people who were enslaved in Texas were finally told that slavery had been abolished and that they were free. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, one year after the U.S. Senate passed the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, and six months after it was passed by the U.S. House. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated throughout the country to recognize the end of slavery and honor the culture and achievements of Black and African Americans.
In observance, our district offices will be closed on Monday, June 19 as stated on our work-year calendars. As with other holidays, if there is work that must happen on this day, employees will earn holiday pay. If you have questions, reach out to your manager.
As we honor this historic day, we are encouraging you to lean into resting and enjoying time with your families. Members of the Office of Talent team will be walking in the Juneteenth Music Festival Parade in Five Points on Saturday, June 17. If you would like to attend the festival, more information can be found here.
Note: We send many DPS communications via this platform. Please do not unsubscribe from these messages or you will not receive future important messages. If a specific message doesn't interest you, simply delete it and stay tuned for a future communication that will be of more interest. If you have questions, please email office_communications@dpsk12.org.
