Juneteenth 2025 is June 19. What to know in Michigan

What is Juneteenth? Holiday celebrates end of American slavery in Texas

Juneteenth celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation, but the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t apply to all states in the USA. The 13th Amendment brought an end to slavery.

USA TODAY, Wochit

• Juneteenth will be celebrated June 19, 2025, in Michigan.
• The federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.

Juneteenth, a celebration of Black freedom and the triumph over slavery, and a federal holiday, is coming up this month and celebrations are planned across the state.

The holiday marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed Blacks that the war was over and slavery had been ended the U.S. It’s become known as America’s second independence day, the National Museum of African American History & Culture says. The date represents a time to reflect on freedom for formerly enslaved African Americans and the legacy of slavery on American society.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday and Michigan observes the date as a state holiday.

“Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement,” the Juneteenth World Wide Celebration’s website says. “It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.”

Here’s what to know.

When is Juneteenth in 2025?

Juneteenth is June 19, 2025.

What does Juneteenth commemorate?

The federal holiday marks the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The troops announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

The day came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but the proclamation could only be enforced in areas under Union control. Confederate Texas was not under Union control until 1865.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S.

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

Former President Joe Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, USA TODAY reported.

“This will go down for me as one of the greatest honors I will have as president,” Biden said at the time.

Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan?

Yes, Juneteenth is a state holiday in Michigan.

What’s open, closed on Juneteenth?

All federal offices including courts, post offices, social security offices and others, will be closed. State offices, such as the Secretary of State, will be closed and state employees will get the day off.

Local government offices will be closed, including courts. Emergency service, fire departments, police and ambulances will be staffed.

The U.S. Postal Service will not provide regular delivery service on Juneteenth with the exception of Holiday Premium Priority Mail Express and Holiday Same Day Package Delivery, the USPS said.

Is Juneteenth a bank holiday?

Most banks close on Juneteenth, in observance of the federal holiday. However, bank ATMs and digital banking features will typically still be available.

How can you celebrate Juneteenth in Michigan?

Here are some upcoming Juneteenth events to celebrate in Michigan:

• Jackson Juneteenth: The Jackson Juneteenth celebration will be in downtown Jackson from 2-8 p.m. June 21. The outdoor event will feature activities and food vendors.
• Saginaw Juneteenth Celebration: The Saginaw Juneteenth Celebration Inc. will host a lineup of events in Saginaw this June, including the Freedom Parade and Freedom Festival on June 21. The events will feature food, entertainment, a basketball tournament, vendors and more.
• Juneteenth Afro Gaga Parade & Celebration in Grand Rapids: The west Michigan Jewels of Africa LLC is hosting the parade & celebration from noon-7 p.m. June 19. The event will feature a parade, entertainment and more, with pan-African themes.
• Juneteenth in Detroit: Juneteenth in Detroit will host a parade at 11 a.m. June 19, starting from 4100 Woodward Ave. A festival will be held at the same location starting at 3 p.m.
• Juneteenth: Week of Jubilee in Marquette: At Northern Michigan University in Marquette, a weeklong Juneteenth celebration will be held June 16-20. Events will include a community picnic, drum workshop, festival, dance workshop and film night.

USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].